The executive director of a Vermont circus school has stepped down after an outcry over last week’s firings of the school's founders.
The board of the New England Center for Circus Arts said Michael Helmstadter resigned as executive director and board president Friday. Vermont Public Radio reports that the firings of founders Serenity Smith Forchion and Elsie Smith led to outcry from parents of students and several staff resignations, leading to Helmstadter's resignation.
Helmstadter will work until July 28 while the board of directors searches for an interim director.
According to a press release, the center (NECCA) says it is now on the verge of closing because many patrons have demanded refunds.
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