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Show Reid case raises serious questions The upcoming hearing of Dr. Wayne Reid raises some important questions for all patrons of the Alpine School District. Monday morning Dr. Reid will appear before the board of education, which will serve as the hearing panel, to prove that he should be rehired as principal of American Fork High School, a post he has held for almost two school years. Actually, the Board of Education does not have to have a hearing for Dr. Reid. Principals, as well as teachers, in the Alpine School District are hired on a provisional status during their first three years with the district. During that time, the district can evaluate an administrator ad-ministrator or a teacher and decide if they should remain in the district. According the district's written policy for teachers, if an employee's contract is not renewed during that time, the teacher can discuss the decision with the superintendent, superin-tendent, or an individual designated by the superintendent. superin-tendent. He can bring another teacher with him, but not legal counsel. Unfortunately, the district does not have a written policy for principals and similar employees. Undoubtedly Un-doubtedly one will be written as a result of the current situation. In the absence of a written policy, and in order to treat , Dr. Reid as fairly as possible, the board has decided to provide the principal with a full-fledged hearing. But in going beyond far beyond what the board is required to do, if must be questioned if following established policy for teachers would not be the best approach to handle Dr. Reid's termination. It's hard to argue with a decision that favors another's rights to due process. The current policy regarding teacher terminations and appeals is designed to do that. . Is Monday's hearing really necessary? And patrons of the Alpine Board of Education should be aware that Monday's hearing, as well as the i preparation that is going into the hearing, and possible court cases resulting from the outcome of that hearing, ! are going to cost them. How much it will cost is unknown, but if the case is carried through to the courts, it could amount to a healthy sum. Monday's hearing alone will not come cheaply. The board has retained a high-powered legal firm from Salt Lake City, Kirton, McKonkie & Bushnell, to represent them in the case. , .. , , , , . , School administrators and teachers are spending time giving depositions, and will take more time to testify at the hearing. If the proceedings go on past Monday, the costs will j rise accordingly. i Of course, fairness is priceless, and we should all be willing to do what is necessary to make sure that our public servants are treated accordingly. But the cost of defending the decision to terminate Dr. Reid above and beyond what is required by law or by ; policy may well become a burden the already troubled ! Alpine School District cannot afford, j It can only be hoped that once the controversy dies ! down, local school board patrons can agree that Mon- i day's hearing, and its aftermath, were worth the cost. |