W.F. Morrison principal is fired; no reason given by board

In a surprising unanimous vote last Monday, the Troy School Board decided not to renew the contract of W.F. Morrison Principal Kelly Moore.

Because Moore was not tenured, the board did not have to provide a reason for the nonrenewal and elected not to.

Moore has held his position for two years and will leave at the end of June.

“I’m going to finish up this year as strong as I can,” Moore said. “I have faith that the Lord will steer me the right way. I am a little discouraged though.”

At press time, Troy Public Schools had posted a job listing for the elementary principal position on its website, http://troymtk-12.us/.

Several individuals spoke at the meeting on behalf of Moore and the youthful administrator’s exuberance when it comes to his students.

One of Moore’s teachers, Anita Winslow, presented a letter of support signed by 17 teachers and staff in the district in favor of keeping the principal.

The school board wasn’t persuaded.

“The board decided not to renew the contract,” said Troy Superintendent Dan Wendt. “The board is allowed to let any non-tenured employee go without reason. It does not open itself up to litigation this way.”

Board President John Konzen did not return calls by press time. 

While no official reason was given for Moore’s termination, speculation is rife in Troy.

One source wondered whether Moore’s residency in Noxon and not Troy was a factor. 

A frustrated Moore had asked the board for resources he was promised when he was hired, to no avail.

Moore had an opinion, but has decided to let it go.

“I don’t want to get into what the school board was thinking,” Moore said. “I haven’t done anything immoral or unprofessional.”

Troy School District has a surprising amount of turnover at the top. Moore, Wendt and Troy High School Principal Jacob Francom were all hired several years ago. Wendt has resigned, Francom will be pulling double duty as principal and superintendent, and Moore’s position will be filled. 

Sandra Beal, teacher at Troy High School, was appointed as vice principal in the same meeting that Moore was let go.

Francom, wary of his new role with more responsibility, didn’t have much to say about the board’s decision.

“I can’t really comment,” he said. “I think he’s done well. I think he’ll be successful wherever he goes.”

Moore is disappointed he was fired but is trying not to have a bitter taste in his mouth.

“I thanked them for my time in Troy,” he said. “I’m going to miss the kids, the staff and the parents, but I’m just going to move on.”

Moore has begun searching for employment elsewhere.