Allegations made against Soap Lake Superintendent
School Board meeting to be held Feb. 28 to discuss inquiry, public comment
SOAP LAKE — The future of Soap Lake School District Superintendent John Adkins remains uncertain as the Soap Lake School Board and community members address allegations made against him regarding his work performance.
According to an anonymous source interviewed Feb. 9, the school board was first made aware of the allegations at the beginning of the 2004-2005 school year, but said the Board decided to wait until further investigation into the complaints took place.
It was not until a school board meeting on Dec. 13 that Soap Lake School District Staff sent a 26-2 vote of no confidence to the School Board, along with 21 complaints made toward Adkins.
The complaints, according to the anonymous source, range from minor to more serious allegations. "Some felt that he wasn't visible enough in the district," the source said, adding that other claims were made, but refrained from commenting further.
When asked if any of the allegations made included sexual harassment, the source declined to comment, but did say the allegations did not include any situations that might jeopardize student safety.
In another interview, also held on Feb. 9, school board member Linda Hoffman said allegations she had been made aware of included a variety of complaints. "… gestures, the way he talks to (staff members) and walking away without listening," she said for example.
A community letter that was sent out last week states complaints made against Adkins do in fact include allegations of sexual harassment, and a lack of participation in attending district functions.
" … We rarely see him at Soap Lake School functions. He seldom attends important events and conferences, either missing them entirely or sending someone else in his place," the letter reads.
The letter also raises concern about a substantial pay increase and contract extension that was allegedly offered to Adkins in the same Dec. 13 meeting in which the grievances against him were brought to the school board.
"That's a little disconcerting," an anonymous source said.
According to statements in the letter, this is not the first time Adkins' professional conduct has come into question, stating that he had previously left his position as principal at Wright Elementary in Grand Coulee, due to an alleged personal relationship with one of his female co-workers.
An inquiry into the allegations against Adkins is being made with the district's insurance carrier, Canfield and Associates in Ephrata.
"It could have been handled very quickly," said Jenny Kimble, secretary at Soap Lake Elementary of the district's investigation. "I have never seen any of the intimidation and sexual harassment; I've never seen his conduct coming to that … he's a terrific boss and brings so much positive things to this district that it would be a shame to see him go," Kimble said.
Other staff members agree that Adkins performance has showed leadership and dedication to the district and community.
"Everything he has done has focused on improving student learning, which is what the educational system is all about … we were in financial trouble and now were in good standing," said Denise Mehal, fiscal director for the SLSD of Adkins performance since starting as superintendent in 2001.
Adkins did not return any of the Herald's phone calls made to his office on Wednesday and Thursday.
Results from the inquiry made by Canfield and Associates, including a statement from community members is expected to be heard at a school board meeting scheduled at 6 p.m. on Feb. 28 in the Soap Lake Middle School/High School library.