FALLON - John Riley could return as principal at Churchill County High School if he and the school board can resolve a grievance over what he calls an unfair evaluation by Superintendent Don Livoni.
The school board voted 7-0 Thursday to keep an interim principal at the high school until Riley can be reinstated.
Riley said the issue of his evaluation is still under consideration, and he wants the document removed from his personnel file.
"It wasn't fair and it wasn't right," Riley said. "I'm not looking for any more contention. The community has seen enough."
Riley resigned late last month during a mediation session involving his grievance over the evaluation.
His departure sparked a campus demonstration from students and parents.
Two days later, Livoni announced he would not seek renewal of his contract when it expires in July 2006.
At Thursday's meeting, more than 300 people applauded after the school board voted 5-2 to buy out Livoni's contract before it expires.
The action means Livoni will not serve out the rest of his contract.
The board approved Livoni's resignation and directed the district's attorney to meet with Livoni's attorney to work out a buy-out agreement.
"The board made their decision," Livoni told the Lahontan Valley News & Fallon Eagle Standard newspaper. "I support their decision. I serve at their pleasure."
A special meeting will be held Thursday to consider terms of the buy-out and what it will cost the district.
If the district pays Livoni his regular salary and benefits for the 18 months left on his contract, it would total $178,338. His base salary was raised from $104,000 to $107,120 last year.
Former school board member Dorothea Ratzlaff said she's opening a bank account with $100 to accept donations for the buy-out.
