Change is underway at USD 421 Lyndon.
The district has hired longtime school teacher and administrator Paul Dorathy as its interim superintendent. This follows the arrest of prior superintendent Brad Marcotte about two weeks ago on suspicion of child endangerment and obstruction of law enforcement. A decision on formal charges is still pending, but USD 421 Board Chair Bryant Derley says the district has moved to terminate Marcotte’s employment as of Oct. 21. Marcotte can appeal, but he would have to do so by the close of business Monday.
Dorathy is no stranger to the KVOE listening area, serving as a teacher, assistant principal and coach at USD 253 Emporia and as a principal at Olpe Junior-Senior High School as part of a lengthy career in education. Dorathy retired from USD 348 Baldwin City two years ago after 16 years as superintendent, but he had also been in contact with the Kansas Association of School Boards about possible interim posts.
Dorathy’s interim term lasts through the end of this year and could be extended through the rest of the academic year, or June 30, 2025. Plans beyond that date are currently in flux, depending on how things resolve between Marcotte and the district.
