David Laughlin
The Duncan Banner
BRAY —
Students and adults alike flocked to the Bray-Doyle gym Monday evening for the school board meeting. Although there were 27 items on the agenda for the evening, most everyone in attendance was there for one item, the recommendation for principal Jack Williams.
The main item those in attendance were interested in, Williams’ status, was item 26. After nearly three hours secluded, in executive session, the Board reemerged. To the displeasure of many in attendance, a decision for Williams’ was tabled until Monday, Aug. 16.
Williams is facing dismissal after an incident that occurred April 12. Superintendent Kevin McKinley alleges that Williams was out of order during that meeting, and his behavior warranted dismissal.
The meeting was originally slated to be in the superintendent’s office. Plans changed when eager supporters and spectators began arriving an hour before the meeting was to begin.
Because of the inundation of people, the location of the meeting changed and the Bray-Doyle gym became the sight for the meeting. An entire half of the gym’s bleachers were filled with spectators.
The meeting began promptly at 7:30 p.m. Williams led the board out
of the hallway. Upon his first appearance, the crowd of more than 100 rose to its feet and applauded the beleaguered principal.
President of the Board Kent Spivey called the meeting to order and informed the zealous crowd that no one would be given an opportunity to share their thoughts or opinions.
The Board scurried through the agenda one item at a time. From budgetary actions to accepting resignations, the Board moved closer to the Williams decision with every completed item. Upon reaching item 23, the Board entered executive session to discuss the assignments of teachers, coaches, and administrators for the upcoming school year.
During the marathon executive session, a three-on-three game of pick-up basketball broke out.
As the Board members were exiting the gym, Williams addressed those in attendance and shared his displeasure for a decision the Board made. The Board approved cutting the Driver’s Education program. Williams said he would fight to get it reinstated.
Although those in attendance may have been drained after almost three hours in a hot gym, their anticipation never decreased. Numerous people addressed the crowd about various subjects such as organizing a P.T.A. and fundraisers.
Nearly three hours after the Board entered into executive session, they reemerged from the gym to the applause of those in attendance.
Williams’ status was addressed following the results from the executives session.
The Board decided to table a decision on Williams’ status until Monday.
“Hopefully we can get this worked out so we can get back to helping the kids,” Williams said as he addressed the crowd.
The meeting concluded at 10:49 p.m.
— David Laughlin is a reporter for The Duncan Banner. He can be reached at 580-255-5354, Ext. 144, or via e-mail at david.laughlin@duncanbanner.com.
