Eighth-grade science teacher Alisa Felton’s job has been posted while she is out of town.
The Park Record learned on Monday morning and reported Felton requested leave from the Park City School Board at least twice so she could pursue research in the Grand Canyon during the first weeks of school.
After several years Felton was able to secure the proper permits for her research but the board denied a request for leave. Felton decided to go anyway and now her job is posted, a source said.
Principal of Treasure Mountain International Middle School Bob O’Connor confirmed her request was denied by the school board.
“I know the activity that Alisa wanted to pursue at this time was an important one to her,” he said. “It is also an extremely important time of the school year.”
Human Resources Director Tim McConnell could not comment on the specifics of the case but said Felton has been informed of what action has been taken.
“She’s been made aware of what the situation is from our point of view and we have had no response from her, not yet,” McConnell said.
He added that her job was only listed as a safety net for the district.
“The posting is a precautionary move in the event that we do need to have a science teacher lined up,” McConnell said.
He would not confirm or deny Felton has lost her job.
“There’s not any formal action at this point in time that has come to conclusion,” he said.
The district is in a holding pattern and waiting for Felton to return, when she does, McConnell said they will begin discussions with her but did not comment on what would be said.
Park City School Board President David Chaplin said that while he would like to be as helpful as possible he could not comment either because this was a personnel matter.