Triton Principal Quits

BOURBON - Triton School Board accepted the resignation of Triton Junior-Senior High School principal Richard Dehne by a unanimous vote at a regular meeting Monday.

Dehne's resignation was read at the meeting by board president Kevin Boyer. In the statement, Dehne wrote, "The perception of the situation currently being investigated has eroded public trust, thus hindering my ability to fulfill my administrative responsibilities," referring to accusations expressed by parents at the last school board meeting questioning the propriety of Dehne's relationship with a former Triton student.

Among those attending Monday's meeting were a number of parents and Triton faculty expressing support for Dehne, some wearing T-shirts bearing a logo in the image of a penny with the slogan "In Mr. Dehne We Trust."

In response to Dehne's resignation, Marcile Lindsay said, "I'm very disappointed. That's coming from a staff member and a parent." Lindsay's son, Nic, a Triton student said, "You can't replace him [Dehne]. He started a lot and you could talk to him whenever."

Several parents also expressed support for the school board in their handling of the situation.

Roy Burbrink, legal counsel for the school board, said an investigation of the allegations against Dehne was carried out. Patron Becky Fincham asked Burbrink, "Are we going to be told anything about the investigation when it is finished?"

"A blunt answer to your question is no," said Burbrink. He said Indiana law allows the board to release information obtained in an investigation only when disciplinary action is taken.

Several in attendance expressed the concern that Dehne's resignation was the result of rumors getting out of control. Triton teacher Larry Wattenbarger compared the situation to a witch hunt. "A lot of stuff going on is based on rumor, innuendo and gossip," Wattenbarger said.

"The community took the wrong bone and ran with it," said Triton teacher Ruthie McCollough.

Rhonda Elliot, mother of two Triton High School students, said, "We don't have the proof in this room."

Some in attendance applauded when the resignation was read. "We can't take chances with our daughters," said Martin Vinttanit.

School board president Kevin Boyer said the school corporation will do what is necessary to cover all duties until a replacement can be found to fill Dehne's position.