UI Upward Bound chief appeals ouster

MOSCOW, Idaho – The ousted director of the Upward Bound college preparatory program at the University of Idaho is appealing her termination to the Idaho State Board of Education.

State Board spokeswoman Luci Willits confirmed the board received the appeal request but said board members have not yet decided whether to hear the appeal.

Isabel Bond was placed on administrative leave by the University of Idaho last summer after a counselor in the program was allegedly caught drinking with some of the high-school-aged Upward Bound students.

Bond said that at least once a year for the 25 years she’s been the director, some kids in the program have gotten into trouble, and that it’s just part of the nature of the program.

“There are always risks involved if you’re bringing this population” to campus, she said.

Bond, 73, maintains that her ouster is based on her age, not her performance.

“The only explanation for trying to get rid of me is because of age,” she said.

Bond said she is filing an age discrimination complaint with the Idaho Human Rights Commission and will also appeal her termination with the University of Idaho’s Faculty Appeals Hearing Board.