Western Heights Starts School Year After Tumultuous Summer

Western Heights Public Schools will begin this school year with a new interim superintendent appointed by the state.

The State Board of Education selected Monty Guthrie to fill the role after it suspended credentials for previous superintendent Mannix Barnes back in June.

Six days ago, a judge ruled against the Western Heights school board's lawsuit against the state, after the state put the district on probation in April over complaints of financial mismanagement and staff loss.

The judge’s ruling paved the way for state takeover, and for the first day of school, Guthrie said the district will be ready.

"There is an opportunity for the state department and the community here to combine efforts and resources to provide the best possible education for the students of the district,” Guthrie said. “It's something that really excites me.”

There have also been concerns over buses that didn't pass inspection. Guthrie said other superintendents have offered to loan them buses.