BOONE, Iowa—The Boone School Board heard from a number of staff members and parents about the departure of Trish Carlson, Franklin Elementary School Principal.  Board President Jan Westrum emphasized that the Board would not be able to comment on any specific details, because of the confidentiality of personnel matters.

Staff and parents that spoke supported Carlson.  They pointed to her relationship with students and parents and talked about specific stories that affected their lives and the lives of their students.  The testimony in support of Carlson became emotional at times.  Many questioned who made the decision and how the decision was made not to offer Carlson a contract for the next school year.  The Board would not comment except to say they spent quite a bit of time reviewing information and again emphasizing their limitations in being able to talk about personnel matters.

Carlson’s brief letter of resignation was included in the consent agenda items and was accepted by the board.