Taking Back the Schools
Principal Dan Doerhoff of East Lynne (Mo.) School decided a fitting punishment for an unnamed fourth-grade girl in lieu of suspension was to make her pick up rocks along the road in front of the school for three days. Alone. Teachers thought the girl’s punishment was too harsh and dangerous, and during their free periods several went out to help her and watch after her. The mini revolt was led by teacher Christa Price, so Doerhoff not only ordered Price fired for “failing to support the administration,” he refused to do the final sign-off on her teaching credential, which she needs to get another teaching job. Seven other teachers quit to show support for Price, leaving only two teachers at the school. Parents are fighting back too: they gathered 177 signatures on a petition demanding Doerhoff’s resignation, and are campaigning to vote out any school board members who support him. Meanwhile, district officials say they’ll sign Price’s certificate so she can get a new job. (Kansas City Star) ...No matter how old you get, it can still be satisfying to say “nyah nyah nyah” to the principal.
Available in This is True: Book Collection Vol. 11