JEFFERSON TWP — Frustration over the lack of a teacher's contract has caused a small number of parents to attack the actions of the South Butler School Board, administration and solicitor.

Timothy Danehy has attended the school board meetings over the past few months, and insisted at each public comment session that the school board is violating its own policies in various ways.

Much of his vitriol is aimed at board solicitor Tom Breth, who he has accused of violating state school code and various district policies.

Danehy at the last two meetings said the board illegally appointed Breth temporary president at the annual reorganization meetings so that the nine-person board could elect officers.

Breth told Danehy at the March meeting that many of his colleagues at his law firm represent several schools, and the practice is often used for the election of board officers each year.

On Wednesday night, Danehy accused the board of listing attorney Tom King under “School Board members” on a bronze plaque that commemorates a construction project in one of the schools although the word “solicitor” was listed beside King's name.

King is a partner in Dillon McCandless King Coulter and Graham, where Breth practices.

Danehy read a statement at the beginning of Wednesday's meeting that accused the board and Breth of violating various policies and again brought up Breth's appointment as temporary board president during election of board officers.

At the end of Wednesday's meeting, board Vice President Donna Eakin tried to adjourn the meeting without holding a question-and-answer session because the session is for questions on matters the board has voted on. The board did not take action on any items Wednesday night.

Danehy leaped to the podium and began shouting that the board was violating its own policy by not holding the session, although Eakin explained that no action was taken by vote.

Eakin called Danehy out of order and eight of the nine board members left the dais despite Danehy's insistence that the question-and-answer period must be held.

Board member George Zacherl, who supports the teachers in the four-year contract stalemate, remained at the dais until Danehy and another parent were done speaking.