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MENTONE - Tippecanoe Valley High School Principal Charlie Mills' contract with the school corporation was extended Monday until 2004 by a 3-to-2 vote. The school board did not approve assistant principal Rod McKee's contract extension.
Board vice president Rod Eaton said his dissenting vote was based on "concerns in the past" and on patron concerns about McKee.
President Mark Wise, who also dissented, said the extension was not in the best interest of the corporation.
Wise said McKee "could change, though" and have his contract extended.
Police are investigating a situation involving McKee. Rod Eaton confirmed knowing about the investigation.
School board members would not talk about the investigation because it deals with personnel issues.
Sherry Ramsey told the school board that McKee is not following school policies.
Terry Smith, a patron, handed out a letter to school board members and media.
In the letter, McKee was told that several employees did not want him at the school any longer.
"Why do you have this letter?" Wise asked Smith.
Smith said he got the letter "from a friend."
"I don't think things have been adding up, Mark," he said to Wise.
Wise ended the discussion before more nonpublic information was said.
In another matter, the school board approved changes in the student handbook dealing with clothing standards.
By a 3-to-2 vote, shorts were approved during school hours.
Bathing suits at school, except during gym class, and sleeved shirts that cover the top of the pants were approved as new standards.
In other business, the school board:
• Approved the high school administration contracts and salaries from the May 20 budget workshop meeting.
The Tippecanoe Valley School Board members are president Mark Wise, vice president Rod Eaton, secretary Tom Weaver, David O'Brien and Hal Hoffman. Superintendent is Dr. Karen S. Boling.
