Thou Shalt Not Twerk
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Supposedly, the Principal has pulled back - completely. The student has been reinstated as head of the student government and he's offered to make good on the scholarship recommendations. He offered to meet with mother and daughter yesterday though they declined based on an attorney's recommendation. Per the family, his offer to write supportive letters for the scholarship was not feasible as the deadline for such recommendations was October 3. This became a HUGE story on Tik Tok and other social media with lots of efforts to direct attention on the local school board - which apparently, it did. It's clear that the principal got a lot of adverse feedback . Till this business, he was a finalist for Principal of the Year - not happening now. In any event, hIs letter is below:
I believe it is necessary to respond to the public attention that has resulted from my actions regarding Kaylee Timonet’s participation in a dance party that was sponsored at an off-site location following WHS Homecoming.
I have had time to consider my actions, have conversations with the Timonets, and meet with district staff.
First, let me say that I have apologized to the Timonets and I am hopeful that my scheduled meeting with Kaylee’s mom will rectify this situation and allow Kaylee to enjoy the remainder of her senior year at Walker High School.
I will be reinstating Kaylee’s position on the Student Government Association. The SGA was created to give students a voice in their school and their community, to promote leadership qualities, and to represent their school with pride, enthusiasm, and respect. Our student government members are held to a high standard of student behavior. While I stand by that premise, I do believe that standard deserves the input of not just myself and top administrators, but also those student leaders. I hope to create a path moving forward where we can work together to create clear expectations for all.
I will be reinstating my scholarship endorsement for Kaylee. At Walker High, we strive to place our students first in every decision so they may be prepared for whatever career path they may aspire to take, and I believe my action will assist in doing that.
Finally, during my conversation with Kaylee regarding the dance party, the subject of religious beliefs was broached by Kaylee and myself. While that conversation was meant with the best intentions, I do understand it is not my responsibility to determine what students’ or others’ religious beliefs may be – that should be the responsibility of the individual
As principal of Walker High School, I am faced daily with many difficult decisions for the interest of our students and employees that are never taken lightly. Please know that I always strive to place our students first in every decision. It is for that reason that I have taken this corrective action.
As we move forward, I ask for your continued support of Walker High School, our amazing teachers, and outstanding students.
Thank you,
Jason St. Pierre, Principal
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He’s screwed
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According to Superintendent Joe Murphy, St. Pierre requested a leave of absence be granted by the school board.
"The district office is awaiting his paperwork to process his request," Murphy said.
Once the documents are in place, the school board will name an interim principal should his leave be granted.
Sunday night, October 8, around 6:30 p.m. principal St. Pierre released a statement via the Livingston Parish School Board Facebook page which addressed the decision to discipline Kaylee Timonet after a video appeared online of her dancing at post-homecoming party.
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It was poor judgment on his part. Clearly, the punishment was not equal to the "crime" - which again, it could be credibly argued was not a crime. His punishment equaled a detriment to her future career. That kind of punishment should only be applied to the truly deserving. Now, he is the one with a career being defined by a single action.
We live in a world where a butterfly's wings can cause a hurricane - thanks to social media.
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Anybody want to bet that she goes to college on the school’s dime?
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It's very unfortunate. I've met some very outstanding people that end up as principals at the high school level (and others that shouldn't be there). I've had a few ask me behind the scenes what to do about an impending issue, because they had become almost friends over so many years. And, the good work they do for the kids make them almost an institution in their school and community. Unlike the movie "Bad Education" that George recommended, with only a couple of exceptions, Principals were just normal people who were often married to their jobs.
He has hopefully met with the school board in private. As a personnel issue, there is no requirement for public access. However, the press can attend (but cannot report on what they hear discussed). And if some moron board member mentions anything that took place at that executive meeting, then it's open season by the press. At least, that's how it works in Oregon. BTW, then the state can fine (punish) the school district. We had that happen when a board member went on the Lars Larson show, and blabbed about anything without the board in full having no idea he went on the show. What an idiot. Oh well, I digress. . .
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I've met several, and only one I considered bad. I caught him in baldfaced lies but did not say so right away. I just kept pulling him deeper into his own falsehoods until he figured out what I was doing and tried to end the meeting, to no avail. He's no longer with the district. I can handle mistakes or poor judgment, but I will not brook lies from a school official.
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A few points ...
- Depending on the scholarship, the principal has every right not to endorse her application. Many scholarships depend on the student being a community leader, etc. If it's to a school supported by a church, there is often a morals section.
- This entire thing should have been a private meeting between the principal, student and parent. He should have explained his intended actions and listened to the other side of the story before rendering final judgement.
- The religious aspect should have been left out of the conversation. Again, I have the feeling he knows the student from church.
- With her GPA, she qualifies at the higher levels of TOPS.
