Former middle school teacher fighting district on contract renewal

 
    After a closed hearing, the board decided on May 15 that it would not renew Scovel's contract for 2008-09. Scovel was a non-tenured teacher who had taught art and video production at the middle school.
    The district's attorney, Brad Ralph, said Tuesday that he could not comment on Scovel's employment with the district or on the reason for the decision not to renew his contract.
    USD 443 public information director Seth Eckelman also said he could not comment on the appeal because it was a legal matter involving a former employee.
    An attempt to reach Scovel for comment via e-mail Thursday was unsuccessful. His attorney, David Moses of Wichita, was not immediately available for comment.