The recent removal and subsequent reinstatement of Brandon High School Principal Michael Ferguson is a reminder of the consequences ill-thought out decisions have on the community.
When originally stating his reason for the transfer of Ferguson to the CHOICES program, Superintendent Tom Miller said information had been shared with him about leadership at the high school. He also said help was needed at the CHOICES program.
Less than two weeks later, citing a ‘miscommunication,? Miller reinstated Ferguson and said he was ‘excited? to have him back. Miller also said that no one would be hired for the new position at CHOICES that Ferguson was so ‘needed? for the week before. He cited the current issues and an opinion by the director of CHOICES that the program could continue as it had been.
In our opinion, the time to consider the possibility of miscommunication and what the school budget can handle is before making a decision that affects more than 1,200 students, dozens of teachers and staffmembers, and a man’s life.
How much trouble could have been avoided with having ‘the in-depth meetings and conversations? that led to his reinstatement before the actual transfer, which also resulted in the disruption of students? education.
Students must also take responsibility for their actions, as protests leading to the absence of 235 students during this mess was at the expense of taxpayers, who ante up more than $7,200 per student per year in this community. Second, in a few months many high school students will enter the workforce, where skipping work, unlike skipping school, could result in termination. No matter the cause, you have to feed your family.
It is our hope that both sides in this debacle learn a lesson in proper communication.