Rumors spark student-parent protest at Greater Clark County Schools meeting

Clark County

Discussion

June 10, 2009

Morris still principal at JHS

RICHARD GOOTEE The News and Tribune Wed Jun 10, 2009, 01:35 PM EDT

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.