DOUGLAS COUNTY, Colo. — The majority of Douglas County's school board is trying to force out the district's superintendent, according to other board members who held a public meeting Monday night.
Corey Wise has been with Douglas County Schools for 25 years. He became superintendent last year.
Three members -- Elizabeth Hanson, Susan Meek and David Ray -- announced in the meeting that they were approached privately last Friday with news that the board president and vice president asked Wise to resign. If he didn't, these three board members were informed that the other four were prepared to replace Wise.
When asked for a reason why, according to these three members, board president Mike Peterson reportedly said, "The district needs to get back to academics."
The board members present in Monday's meeting said they were concerned about the private nature of these moves, so they decided to call a public meeting.
In a statement to 9NEWS Tuesday, Peterson said "there has been no action taken" on Wise's contract or employment status.
The statement reads:
"I am committed, and will continue to be committed, to respecting staff privacy when dealing with sensitive employment situations. This is true for any staff member in the Douglas County School District - and especially true for our superintendent. Any formal decision regarding our superintendent’s employment status will take place during a public meeting, as required by law.
There has been no action taken on the superintendent’s contract or employment status. Last week’s conversation was to provide our superintendent with information needed to participate in an ongoing discussion. I will continue to engage all board directors on this matter.
I am committed to honoring our superintendent’s legacy and service to our school district.
My hope is that our focus remains on our students and keeping them in the classroom, even in the midst of this personnel matter.
It is time to return to academic excellence for each of our 64,000 students, continue forward with the proposed compensation system, and identify common ground in partnership with our students, staff, families, and community."
Douglas County's seven-member board recently underwent a shakeup when more than half of the members were replaced by a group of four conservative candidates. This is the first time conservatives have had control of the board since 2017.
Peterson, Becky Myers, Kaylee Winegar and Christy Williams all won their seats in November. They ran together on a "Kids First" platform.
A post on the "Kids First DCSD" Facebook page Sunday night said: "The time has come much earlier than anyone expected, but Mike, Christy, Kaylee and Becky need your support. Thank you!!!"
RELATED: Douglas County School Board approves resolution recommending changes to educational equity policy
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