Title IX Concerns, Insubordination Cited as Gering High Principal Terminated
News Reporting • Education • Accountability Journalism • Public Affairs
A news article covering the termination of a high school principal following allegations related to Title IX concerns and insubordination. The story required attending a 12-hour public hearing, gathering information from multiple sources and presenting complex developments in a clear, factual and balanced manner. Published in print and online for a regional news audience.
Client
Scottsbluff Star-Herald
Type of Work
News Reporting • Education Reporting • Accountability Journalism
My Role
Reporting • Source Interviews • Writing
Excerpt
Schneider presented secret recordings taken during both meetings, which were provided to the school district for the first time at the hearing, as evidence that he was not as out of control as portrayed by witnesses.
The recordings, which were unknown to Regan at the time, as well as unknown to her counsel until brought up in the hearing, didn’t seem to be enough evidence for the school board however, voting 4-2 in favor of his termination effective immediately after deliberating for two hours. Members Tracy Wiese and Josh Lacy were the lone dissenters in the decision.
When providing the board’s written explanation for their decision, Schauer read a statement, “The evidence presented by Mr. Schneider at this hearing to the extent that it is inconsistent with the evidence of the school district is not as credible as that of the school district.”
Project Highlights
This story involved reporting on a sensitive personnel matter with significant community interest. The goal was to provide accurate, balanced coverage which required attending and synthesizing information from an extensive public hearing, gathering perspectives from multiple stakeholders and presenting complex developments in a clear, balanced and accessible manner. The piece demonstrates experience covering education, public institutions and issues demand accuracy, fairness, context and factual reporting.
Complex Issue Reporting
Education & Community News
Fact-Based Accountability Journalism
