>La Grande Observer | Union and Wallowa Counties' News Leader

WALLOWA — Following an executive session Monday night the Wallowa School Board voted unanimously to put Superintendent Marc Thielman on immediate administrative leave.

No reasons for the actions were discussed publicly.

High school principal John Neseman will take over the duties of superintendent. Neither Neseman nor Thielman were available for comment.

In February the board voted unanimously to accept an addendum to Thielman’s contract and an accompanying severance package. The agreement called for Thielman to stay through the end of the school year.

Prior to Monday’s meeting the board heard a recommendation from the district budget committee for $200,000 in cuts for the 2008-09 school year. The proposed cuts include staff, academics, sports, sports transportation and classified staff.

No decisions were made. The budget concerns will be considered at the next meeting.