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Show Elwell's Defense Gains Momentum In Community As a result of Superintendent Dr. Richard Goodworth's letter recommending to the school board that John Elwell's contract not be renewed for the next school year, two more developments develop-ments have occurred. A public opinion poll was conducted and an "Elwell Legal Defense" drive has been launched. Approximately 88 percent of the families who have children attending Marsac Elementary School were asked the following question: "Do you support the continuation continua-tion of John Elwell as Principal of Marsac Elementary School?" 149 people in all were polled. 74 Vi percent or 111 people, answered "yes" to the question. 15 people, or 10 percent answered "no." 23 people, or 15'j percent, were undecided. Mrs. Susan Williams, who was in charge of the poll, said that she and 11 callers tried to reach every family. Some families were not able to be contacted, either because of unlisted telephone numbers or new numbers which were not recorded in the PTSA (ParentTeacherStudent Asso-cation) Asso-cation) directory. Mr. Elwell received Superintendent Superin-tendent Goodworth's letter Jan. 31 informing him that his contract would not be renewed. According to Utah Orderly Termination Procedures, an educator has the right to a "fair" hearing before either school board members or appointed examiners." Superintendent Goodworth said during -the March school board meeting that the hearing would be open to the public. A date for the hearing has not been set. Susan Williams told the Record that if anyone not contacted for the public opinion poll w.ould like to express their answer, contact her at 649-9063. An account was opened Friday at Silver King Bank by Fred Pretner, owner of Creative Picture Frames, and Alan Crooks, director of Kimball Art Center entitled "Elwell Legal Defense." The two men are accepting contributions to be used to retain a lawyer for Elwell. Fred Pretner told the Record a minimum of $2,000 is needed "to secure the best legal man available." Mr. Crooks expressed hope that the conflict between Elwell and Goodworth would be resolved before a hearing is necessary. But considering the liklihood of the hearing taking place, Crooks said, "the next step involves John having some legal representation." representa-tion." He added, "I co-signed the account so we'd have the beginnings of a retainer for an drawn,' Crooks said. An attorney for Elwell has not been selected yet, and Mr. Crooks said, "We're going to have a meeting about several possibilities." Three, possibly four, lawyers are presently under consideration. "We shouldn't be involved in the selection of an attorney," Alan Crooks said. "It's John's choice. 1 hope that he gets a good one, someone who has a lot of experience with negotiating." Fred Pretner said, "We want a fair and proper hearing. I have no doubt we'll get the money and have a proper defense." Pretner added, "The sooner we get the money, the better, so John will feel the citizenry is behind him." Mr. Pretner said that anyone wishing to contribute, should make the check out to "Elwell Legal Defense" and give it either to Pretner or Alan Crooks. Checks can also be mailed to P.O. Box 95 in Park City. "We're accepting any and all monies from anyone who wants to contribute," Mr. Pretner said. According to the committee on Utah Orderly Termination Procedures, Proce-dures, the next step should be to have an informal meeting between be-tween the educator and the school board. Mr. Crooks said that a hearing attorney." The director of the art center emphasized the importance of trying to come to terms with the problem before any hearing takes place. "I think it's too bad that it's gone this far. I hope they can reconcile their differences and not let it go to a hearing. Once it goes to that, the battle lines are would put undue pressure on the school board. I'd like to believe they're all trying to maintain objectivity." He added the school board members would be in a difficult position if they "go against public opinion." Alan Crooks said, "Elwell is not going to back down if he feels he's been unfairly treated." |