Leavenworth USD 453 board adopts teacher nonrenewal, affirms extended student suspension

The Board of Education of Unified School District 453 in Leavenworth County voted to nonrenew the teaching contract of Peter Harley and separately affirmed an extended-term suspension for a student following an appeal hearing.

The board adopted Resolution 24/25-022 declaring the intent not to renew Peter Harley’s contract for the 2025–26 school year and directed the clerk to give written notice on or before May 16, 2025. The resolution was presented and a motion to adopt passed on a recorded voice vote, adopted by the board that evening.

The board also considered an appeal of a hearing officer’s recommendation under Kansas law relating to disciplinary actions that adversely affect a student. The hearing officer recommended the student be suspended for an extended term (March 6, 2025 through March 6, 2026) and attend the Learning Support Services program at the Neddy Hartnett Education Center. The board received the hearing officer’s written findings and concluded no additional evidence had been presented; the board adopted the officer’s findings and affirmed the extended-term suspension.

Both resolutions were adopted during the May meeting after the board met in executive session to discuss non‑elected personnel and matters affecting a student. The board’s recorded votes on both items were announced as affirmative and recorded on the meeting record.

Board members who participated in the votes included Mike Carney (board president) and other seated trustees; the board invited district staff and legal counsel into the executive sessions as permitted under the Kansas Open Meetings Act.