UPDATED: Teacher submits resignation

Bigfork Eagle

A Bigfork High School band teacher who was scheduled to have a hearing on his possible termination this week submitted his resignation.

The hearing for Doug Peters, originally scheduled for June 17, was postponed as Peters would have been unable to attend due to a family emergency. It had been rescheduled for 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 30, in the Bigfork Elementary School cafeteria. That meeting will now instead take place at 5 p.m. and be a special meeting for the acceptance of his resignation and a settlement agreement.

Peters, who also teaches drivers' education, was suspended without pay in May, and then June 3 received notice of the intention of a recommendation before the Bigfork School Board for his termination.

A number of current and former students, as well as parents, have expressed their support for Peters through a "Support Doug Peters, BHS Band Teacher" Facebook group as well as an online petition requesting the board reinstate him.

As of Friday morning, the group had 486 members and the petition had 200 signatures. Administrators have said they are unable to comment on the reasons for the possible termination because it is a personnel issue.

Peters has worked for the district for more than 20 years and has been an educator since 1976.