Grace Kirchner, Leader Correspondent
Despite pleas from two dozen students and a parent, the Clintonville School Board voted 4-2 April 13 to accept the resignation of high school social studies teacher Mark Sparks.
Although the board would not confirm the reason for Sparks’ resignation, and he did not attend the meeting, his supporters blamed district budget cuts.
The students, who learned of Sparks’ resignation earlier in the day, presented a petition signed by more than 200 students in support of Sparks.
Students said Sparks made learning enjoyable, that he was a good role model, always willing to help and a teacher who makes students want to learn. Several students offered to help raise money to keep Sparks.
“He is an outstanding teacher that comes from Hortonville and he expects the best out of the kids,” parent Christie Jacobson said. “He is not a teacher just during the day.”
After listening to the students, the board went into closed session for nearly two hours before reconvening and voting to accept Sparks’ resignation.
The board also accepted the resignations of kindergarten teacher Amy Bergmann-Valla and Caitlin Werder, who teaches in the English Language Learner program.