Instructor suspended

The conductor's stand in the Bigfork High School band room has been without its director for the last few weeks of school.

Bigfork schools band teacher Doug Peters was suspended without pay three weeks ago.

On June 3, he received notice of the intention of a recommendation before the Bigfork School Board for his termination. That will take place in a special meeting at 5:30 p.m. June 17 in the high school.

Peters taught both high school and middle school band as well as drivers' education.

He has worked for the district for more than 20 years and has been in education since 1976.

During budget cuts earlier this spring, the school board adopted a recommendation to reduce two periods that Peters had taught — one period of band and one period of drivers' education.

A number of current and former students, as well as parents, have expressed their support for Peters through a Facebook group called "Support Doug Peters. BHS band teacher."

As of Tuesday, the group had nearly 450 members.

The group's description cites reasons for Peters' suspension as him allegedly being "controll[ing], bullying and insubordinate." Superintendent Russ Kinzer said he was unable to comment because it is a personnel issue. Peters also declined to comment.

An online petition requesting the board reinstate Peters has also been started by the group and as of Tuesday had 182 signatures.

Because the issue is a personnel issue, any discussion by the school board at the June 17 meeting will take place in executive session, unless Peters chooses to have the hearing in an open session. Either way, the board's vote and decision will take place in an open session.