The rumor of Steve Morris’ removal as Jeffersonville High School principal generated a small protest from students and parents outside the Greater Clark County Schools administration building before Tuesday night’s board meeting.
The protesters, who also attended the meeting, said they felt the need to come to try to convince the school board to keep Morris at JHS.
“I think the school board should stand behind Mr. Morris and what he has done for Jeffersonville High School rather than try to transfer him,” senior Cameron Blackwell said.
Other students shared stories of Morris’ effort to reach out to the students and how he tries to get their input on issues. Just the fact that she was out supporting her principal showed how much Morris means to the students, said sophomore Heather Mackle.
“I was really mad. I mean I never get out of the house, and look I came [to the meeting] just for him because I love him so much,” she said.
Although the protest was a last-minute idea, Blackwell said the students used every form of communication, including texting and the popular social networking site Facebook to alert friends.
Mackle’s brother, JHS senior William Mackle Ortiz, said Morris has made the school safer, and sophomore Madelyn Coulter speculated a new principal would cause some students leave the school.
Coulter’s mother, Kerry, also came to the meeting. She called the possible loss of the man who just finished his third year as principal “detrimental.”
Kerry Coulter cited Morris’ starting of new programs to recognize students and his high level of involvement as achievements invaluable to the school.
None of the students knew where the rumor of Morris’ removal — and subsequent reassignment to Charlestown High School — originated. In March, board member Brian Jones attempted to bring a motion that would have cleared the way for interim Superintendent Travis Haire to become the new Charlestown principal — replacing the retiring Dick Johnson — but it wasn’t on the agenda.
Haire said on Tuesday he will remain within the school cooperation when he is replaced July 1 by new superintendent Stephen Daeschner, he has yet to be given a specific post. Neither board president Bob McEwen nor board member Christina Gilkey would comment on the possibility of Morris being transferred.
Morris also received support inside the school board meeting.
Jerry White, the father of two Jeffersonville graduates, said while he hasn’t always agreed with Morris’ decisions, he has received an explanation for them.
White also said Jeffersonville teachers support Morris, but are too afraid to speak out because of possible repercussions, a statement he received applause from the standing-room-only crowd.
Clark County
Rumors spark student-parent protest at Greater Clark County Schools meeting
Morris still principal at JHS
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River Ridge moves forward with development plans
No sale has been finalized on either piece of land, as River Ridge owns the 16-acre parcel, and the adjacent 54-acre tract is owned by Crossdock Development, a Louisville-based company that specializes in developing properties on the order of millions of square feet.
Continued ... - News and Tribune briefs for Feb. 10, 2012
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Town has no cure for ailing medical center
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Dancing
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In the doghouse
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Forum helps Hispanic parents stay involved with education
Angelica Perez, family services adviser for Head Start, said it is important for children to learn English at a young age. She has seen the Hispanic population in Clark County grow and said there is an increased need for English Second Language programs.
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Indiana granted No Child Left Behind waiver
As the deadline approaches, more schools are failing to meet requirements under the law, with nearly half not doing so last year, according to the Center on Education Policy.
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Democrats downsize: Clark County Democrats want to remove five precinct committee people for supporting candidates outside party
DeArk also said he never received a letter that said he may be removed as a precinct committeeman.
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“As a matter of practice, I do not accept certified mail,” he said. -
Paying their fair share?
John Gilkey, president of the town council, said when Knott initially shared the information with him a few weeks ago, he was surprised to learn some residents weren’t paying any taxes.
Continued ... - News and Tribune briefs for Feb. 9, 2012
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River Ridge moves forward with development plans
