No decision on firing Indian Lane principal

The Rose Tree Media school board was not prepared to vote on whether to fire a popular principal at its legislative meeting Thursday night, said school board attorney Tom Kelly.

Kelly said the board was still looking into the case of Bill Bennett, former principal of Indian Lane Elementary School, after a committee held five public hearings in April and May.

Bennett was given a leave of absence in April 2014 after two employees complained that he got angry and yelled at them and some students, which he denied. However, he admitted to a string of outbursts dating back to 2002, shortly after he was hired. The district said Bennett had displayed a pattern of losing his temper with staff or making inappropriate remarks. Parents have been overwhelmingly supportive and say he is a warm and caring leader whose school is one of the best in the state.

Superintendent Jim Wigo moved to fire him in January. Bennett asked for public hearings before the school board, which attracted dozens of parents and staff who testified on his behalf. - Kathy Boccella