Mower County Sheriff’s deputies removed three protesters from the Lyle School Board meeting. Wendy King, wife of board member Dan King was also asked to leave the meeting and did so of her own accord.

The board met for less than five minutes Tuesday before board chairman Dean Rohne called for a recess. The meeting began at 7 p.m. The meeting restarted at about 7:20 p.m. and board members were able to finish the agenda.

Lyle Superintendent and Principal Jim Dusso and Dan King had a heated exchange, and Dusso accused King of leaking sensitive information about legal fees to the media.

More than 80 people are in attendance and protesters brought T-shirts that say “No voice, no confidence!” Several Lyle residents have been circulating a “no confidence” petition around town about Dusso.

The petition, written by a group of parents, grandparents and other residents, calls on the board to let Dusso’s contract expire when it comes up in January.

Dusso, Lyle’s Principal for the past three years, was hired as superintendent in May after former superintendent Jerry Reshetar resigned.

Dusso’s leadership has been mired in controversy since before his appointment as superintendent. Many residents have stepped forward with concerns over Dusso amid rumors about his actions in front of students, staff and parents.

Residents are torn over Dusso’s tenure and critics and supporters alike have made their views known at board meetings in recent months. The board has come under fire for its support of Dusso.

Former board member Scott Nelson resigned last month as his family is moving to Austin. The board was expected to address the vacancy at the meeting tonight.

The board adjourned early at September’s meeting after King tried to read from a letter addressed to him by the board taking him to task for his outspoken beliefs about Dusso.

Stay with the Austin Daily Herald as this story develops.