July 23, 2014 at 2:10 p.m.
Principal explains
Letters to the Editor
To the editor:
Today, I find myself in a place I could never have imagined. Thirty-seven years ago this September I walked into my first classroom full of sixth graders. I was 22; they were 12. Staring at them face to face, sweat popped out on my brow. They were so eager, so beautiful and so frightening a responsibility. And it began. They accepted my first fumbling attempts at teaching them and they taught me just as much in return. I fell in love. That love continued through 21 years of children at Bloomfield Elementary School.
Along the way I continued to take classes to receive my masters degree and then completed requirements in administration. I wasn't sure I would ever want to be a principal because I thought I would much rather deal with children than adults. I still wasn't sure when I began as principal of Northside Elementary School in Union City. The first year was tough. I had inherited a secretary that knew everything and most of all she knew she didn't like me. I persevered and my people skills were honed on the whetstone of what worked and more so on what didn't.
After four years in Union City, I had a chance to come back to Portland as principal of General Shanks Elementary School. As this was my daughter's school we were very familiar with it. General Shanks was and is a fine elementary school. All the elements are there. The entire staff, including teachers, instructional assistants, kitchen, janitorial, latchkey, office, bus drivers and our crossing guard, willingly go the extra mile for kids. No one could work any harder than these folks. It has been a privilege to work with them for the last 12 years.
As many of you know, I have been on administrative leave since April 25, 2010, being accused of hitting two students. Even though I was cleared of all charges by the police and prosecutor's office, I was not allowed to return to my school because as Dr. Long stated in his letter to me he has found me guilty. I was offered by Dr. Long the opportunity to go back to the classroom. I refused as I had done nothing wrong. I was then assigned to East Jay Middle School as assistant principal or my other choice was to be terminated.
I cannot physically or emotionally accept the transfer as assistant principal at East Jay Middle School because my heart is at General Shanks. I also feel that I would always be looking over my shoulder waiting for the other shoe to drop and be unable to be myself and the educator I have always been. I have concluded I cannot work in any capacity for Jay Schools unless there is a change in the current administration.
To that end I made this proposal to Dr. Long to enable me to finish the year at General Shanks. I started with the last two weeks of school and was denied. Through continuing negotiation it has been decided that I can be principal of General Shanks for the last two student days of this school year. I was allowed to come just for the kindergarten graduation program and give the diplomas to our smallest graduates. This will allow me to give the students an opportunity to end the year on a positive note. I feel this was important for their future school experience. It will also give me closure with my staff. I was then placed back on administrative leave for the last week of my 2009-10 contract.
In exchange for these two days, even though I do not believe my job there is done, I have agreed to give my retirement resignation to the central office effective June 23, 2010. I am working with a Fort Wayne attorney to determine the path I may take against those individuals who have falsely accused me.
I want to thank Bill Hinkle and George Lopez for the sound advice they gave me the last two months. I also thank Todd Wickey, investigator for the Portland Police and prosecutor Robert Clamme for thoroughly investigating the charges and finding there was no validity to these accusations.
Finally, I want to thank all the students, former students, staff, parents, grandparents, friends, fans on the Facebook page and my family who have supported me. The words used on my behalf have humbled me and I promise to strive to live up to them. It renews my faith in humanity to see how many went out of their way to try and change this situation.
Citizens of Jay County, it is your school system. I urge you to continue the fight to make Jay Schools the strong local entity it effectively needs to be.
I was asked if I would be willing to return as principal at General Shanks. If the opportunity were to present itself, under the right conditions, my answer: "In a heartbeat."
People leave many legacies in their lives. For some it may be a book, others a building, or a charitable trust.
My only legacy at this time is in the hearts and lives of the many children, whom I have taught, coached and have hopefully been a positive role model to over the last 37 years. It makes me the richest man I know.
Thank you so much.
Michael Eads
Portland
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Today, I find myself in a place I could never have imagined. Thirty-seven years ago this September I walked into my first classroom full of sixth graders. I was 22; they were 12. Staring at them face to face, sweat popped out on my brow. They were so eager, so beautiful and so frightening a responsibility. And it began. They accepted my first fumbling attempts at teaching them and they taught me just as much in return. I fell in love. That love continued through 21 years of children at Bloomfield Elementary School.
Along the way I continued to take classes to receive my masters degree and then completed requirements in administration. I wasn't sure I would ever want to be a principal because I thought I would much rather deal with children than adults. I still wasn't sure when I began as principal of Northside Elementary School in Union City. The first year was tough. I had inherited a secretary that knew everything and most of all she knew she didn't like me. I persevered and my people skills were honed on the whetstone of what worked and more so on what didn't.
After four years in Union City, I had a chance to come back to Portland as principal of General Shanks Elementary School. As this was my daughter's school we were very familiar with it. General Shanks was and is a fine elementary school. All the elements are there. The entire staff, including teachers, instructional assistants, kitchen, janitorial, latchkey, office, bus drivers and our crossing guard, willingly go the extra mile for kids. No one could work any harder than these folks. It has been a privilege to work with them for the last 12 years.
As many of you know, I have been on administrative leave since April 25, 2010, being accused of hitting two students. Even though I was cleared of all charges by the police and prosecutor's office, I was not allowed to return to my school because as Dr. Long stated in his letter to me he has found me guilty. I was offered by Dr. Long the opportunity to go back to the classroom. I refused as I had done nothing wrong. I was then assigned to East Jay Middle School as assistant principal or my other choice was to be terminated.
I cannot physically or emotionally accept the transfer as assistant principal at East Jay Middle School because my heart is at General Shanks. I also feel that I would always be looking over my shoulder waiting for the other shoe to drop and be unable to be myself and the educator I have always been. I have concluded I cannot work in any capacity for Jay Schools unless there is a change in the current administration.
To that end I made this proposal to Dr. Long to enable me to finish the year at General Shanks. I started with the last two weeks of school and was denied. Through continuing negotiation it has been decided that I can be principal of General Shanks for the last two student days of this school year. I was allowed to come just for the kindergarten graduation program and give the diplomas to our smallest graduates. This will allow me to give the students an opportunity to end the year on a positive note. I feel this was important for their future school experience. It will also give me closure with my staff. I was then placed back on administrative leave for the last week of my 2009-10 contract.
In exchange for these two days, even though I do not believe my job there is done, I have agreed to give my retirement resignation to the central office effective June 23, 2010. I am working with a Fort Wayne attorney to determine the path I may take against those individuals who have falsely accused me.
I want to thank Bill Hinkle and George Lopez for the sound advice they gave me the last two months. I also thank Todd Wickey, investigator for the Portland Police and prosecutor Robert Clamme for thoroughly investigating the charges and finding there was no validity to these accusations.
Finally, I want to thank all the students, former students, staff, parents, grandparents, friends, fans on the Facebook page and my family who have supported me. The words used on my behalf have humbled me and I promise to strive to live up to them. It renews my faith in humanity to see how many went out of their way to try and change this situation.
Citizens of Jay County, it is your school system. I urge you to continue the fight to make Jay Schools the strong local entity it effectively needs to be.
I was asked if I would be willing to return as principal at General Shanks. If the opportunity were to present itself, under the right conditions, my answer: "In a heartbeat."
People leave many legacies in their lives. For some it may be a book, others a building, or a charitable trust.
My only legacy at this time is in the hearts and lives of the many children, whom I have taught, coached and have hopefully been a positive role model to over the last 37 years. It makes me the richest man I know.
Thank you so much.
Michael Eads
Portland
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