Ione community urges support for principal placed on leave; board reports 4–1 readmission of student after closed session

Residents, parents and former colleagues of Ione Elementary School packed public comment to back Principal Mike Huss after the district put him on administrative leave late in the school year.

Multiple speakers described long personal ties to Huss and said his work at Ione—ranging from janitor to teacher to principal—has been marked by community service and close ties to students. Retired teacher Julia Mandison told trustees, “I have known Mr. Hess since I started there in my student teaching in 1990… I would trust that man with my life.” Parent and former student Gabriel Pezzi and others said Huss had mentored and supported students at school and in community events.

Several speakers complained about the timing and communication of the leave. Mandison described a June 29 absence and said staff first learned of a replacement by a ParentSquare post the following Monday. Several commenters said they found the district’s communication lacking during the final week of school and asked the board to be transparent about the process.

Board report out of closed session: when the board reconvened, the president reported a closed‑session action on student discipline: “The board voted, 4 to 1 to readmit the student.” The transcript records the outcome (4–1 readmission) but does not show a public motion maker or second during the open session report. The board did not discuss personnel details publicly that evening; trustees noted that personnel matters were discussed in closed session, and public comment remained focused on community support for the principal and concerns about district communication.

Ending: Community members asked trustees to weigh fairness and transparency as any personnel or investigatory processes continue. The district’s public record from this meeting shows the closed‑session readmission vote (4–1) but no further open‑session action on the personnel matter.