Montana News

Montana school superintendent suspended for plagiarism

Posted: Mar 19, 2013 1:48 PM by Dennis Bragg - MTN News

FLORENCE- Florence School Superintendent John McGee will be suspended for 10 days without pay for plagiarizing articles published elsewhere for his own posts in the school newsletter.

McGee has been under fire since the copying came to light several weeks ago. He had issued a public apology for lifting materials for the articles, including a personal appearance before students. But many of the school's critics have wanted sterner discipline, even calling for his termination.

At a special meeting in Florence last night, board members said McGee had committed a "terrible mistake" by copying the articles, but they also defended much of the work he has done since coming to the district. Most speakers said the plagiarism shouldn't be tolerated. Others were more tolerant, calling for the board to find some measure of forgiveness.

After listening to people for about two hours, the school board decided in open session to go ahead and give McGee a 10-day suspension without pay. He will also have a letter of reprimand placed in his file.

Board chair Pat Appleby made it clear last night the board had not already renewed McGee's contract, which will expire in June.