Sandoval Superintendent Matt Dannaman was not in attendance at the regular school board meeting on Monday, where his continued role with the district was called into question due to an ongoing investigation.
Speaking in public comment, Sandoval resident David Hanks questioned why the school had not opened an internal investigation into Dannaman or placed him on administrative leave due to the investigation of an alleged incident where a child was left unattended in a vehicle. Hanks said that the lack of any action taken toward Dannaman damages the community’s trust in the school board.
“My concern tonight… is the precedent this board is setting,” Hanks said. “If another employee or administrator becomes the subject of a serious investigation tomorrow, what standard will you apply? If the superintendent was not placed on administrative leave while these matters are being investigated, how can you justify treating anyone else differently? Accountability cannot depend on a person’s title.”
No reason was given for Dannaman’s absence, and no board member or administrator gave a response to Hanks’s comments.
Teacher Amanda Winters also spoke, assuring those in attendance to say that teachers and school staff will continue to support students and the community regardless of any changes in the administration or school board.
In business items at the meeting, the school board approved student handbooks for the upcoming school year, school improvement plans, Silver Strong as Elementary and Junior High School Learning Partner, ELA curriculum, and the employment of several personnel.
Courtney Gunnells was hired as individual paraprofessional, Kelli Willis and Sarah Hodge were hired as paraprofessionals, and Jennifer Harnish was hired as elementary secretary. No action was taken on a motion to hire a dean of students.
