Sarah Holland
Northern News Services

NNSL (Sep 10/99) - The arguments have been made in the hearing of Dr. Ken Woodley vs the Yk Education District No. 1.

Now it's a matter of waiting for Justice Virginia Schuler's written decision, to come at a later date.

The case went before the Supreme Court on Tuesday where the first half a day was spent in court arguing whether or not Austin Marshall should continue as Woodley's lawyer.

Adrian Wright, lawyer for the district board, expressed concern over what information Marshall may have gleaned from attending a meeting with the board last fall.

Justice Schuler announced Wednesday morning that Marshall could stay on as Woodley's lawyer.

On Wednesday, Marshall asked that both the June 3 suspension and a motion of proceedings leading to dismissal against Woodley be quashed. Marshall contends that Woodley was dismissed without grounds or notice.

"This is a disciplinary suspension, no doubt about it," said Marshall. And he added that Woodley "has yet to be told what he has to answer to."

Wright said the suspension was not disciplinary, and its purpose was to prevent Woodley from intimidating staff and interfering while the board conducted its performance review.

Concern was raised by Marshall about the locks at the district office being changed and Woodley's computer access being cut off. Wright said this was to ensure any evidence present was preserved.

Wright also said that "the board would hear from Dr. Woodley before they dismissed him, and give Dr. Woodley reasons and a chance to speak to the board before they would make their decision."

At present, Woodley is still suspended with pay from his position as superintendent.