Bridgeport-Spaulding Superintendent Mark Whelton Placed on Administrative Leave Following Board Vote

Bridgeport, Michigan – Bridgeport-Spaulding Community School District Superintendent Mark Whelton has been placed on administrative leave following a sudden 4-3 vote by the school board on Friday night. The decision was reportedly prompted by a complaint sent to the school district's attorney, though Board President Amy Morales stated she was not aware of the complaint's content when the vote was cast, according to a tweet from journalist Dave Bondy.

This recent development adds another layer to ongoing tensions within the district regarding Superintendent Whelton's tenure. The administrative leave comes amidst a recall effort targeting three school board members—Brentoya Bray-Breamsy, Carmen Castillo, and Lucy Erby—who previously voted against extending Whelton's contract. The Saginaw County Election Commission recently approved the recall language, allowing the effort to proceed.

Whelton, who has served as superintendent since 2018, has garnered significant support from some community members and staff. Brandon Sweeney, a teacher at Bridgeport-Spaulding, highlighted Whelton's positive impact, noting that the district transitioned from a "priority school" with a significant financial deficit to having a $7.1 million fund surplus under his leadership. Supporters question the board's decision not to renew his contract, especially after he received an "effective" rating of 89 out of 100 in June.

The school board had previously voted 4-3 against extending Whelton's contract, which is set to expire in June 2026. This led to public outcry and the subsequent recall petition. While the superintendent's contract status has been a point of contention, the current administrative leave stems from a separate, undisclosed complaint, further complicating the leadership situation at Bridgeport-Spaulding Community School District.