by Tracy McCue, Sumner Newscow — Lincoln Elementary Principal John Walton has resigned from USD 353 school district.

John Walton

“Walton’s decision to resign is a personnel matter and the district has no further comment,” said Mark Whitener, Wellington Superintendent of Schools in a press release.

The board voted 7-0 to approve the resignation after a 20 minute executive session during a special meeting called today at the USD 353 administrative office.

Whitener said the district is actively seeking an interim principal for the remainder of the school year for Lincoln Elementary. The district will make an announcement as soon as the interim principal is hired.

Whitener said Walton tendered his resignation earlier today which was effective immediately.

“The district is in the process of notifying all staff and parents,” Whitener said.

Walton, a Wellington High School graduate in 1990, has been an educator of the school district for at least two decades having served as a teacher, high school and middle school athletic coach, and an administrator. He had served as principal for both Lincoln and Washington Elementary Schools.

During a special meeting held Wednesday, Dec. 14, the board went into executive session to discuss a non-elected personnel matter for 30 minutes. After reconvening it took action. Walton had allegedly not been in his office since at least Thursday, according to sources. The central office had no comment when asked of the possible principal dismissal on Friday last week, citing confidential personnel privileges.

Earlier this week, Sumner NewsCow attempted to contact Walton using his school district email address. The message was returned as undeliverable.