Brandon Twp.- Michael Ferguson was reinstated as the principal of Brandon High School on Wednesday, less than two weeks after he had been removed by Superintendent Tom Miller in a move that inspired controversy.
But the controversy may not be over, as some members of the community push for the firing of Miller.
In a news release, Miller explained his reason for reversing the decision, saying he and Ferguson had a series of in-depth meetings and conversations that resulted in ‘the determination that there had been miscommunication and philosophical differences that led to the reassignment,? and ‘those issues have now been addressed and resolved.?
The release goes on to state that the school board, Miller and Ferguson are pleased that the concerns leading to the recent changes have been settled and the educational and administrative team is working together.
‘Miller adds he is excited about Dr. Ferguson’s return and having his leadership skills once again directing the high school,? continued the statement.
Contacted by phone Wednesday, Ferguson said, ‘It’s good to be back and it will be business as usual. I’m thankful for the support from the kids and the way they have conducted themselves, and to the staff and the community… Stuff happens and it happens in every organization. Every once in awhile people are misread and it’s time to move forward. I think as a result of getting communication open you can move farther than you did before. It’s good to be home.?
Miller told Ferguson on Jan. 17 he would be transferred to the position of Assistant to the Director of Special Education and the CHOICES program, Brandon’s alternative high school.
Miller said he decided to transfer Ferguson after information was shared with him regarding leadership at the high school. He also said CHOICES needed additional help and his expertise was needed there.
Ferguson never started working at CHOICES, and Miller said Wednesday that no one would be hired for that position.
‘Due to our current budget and after talking to Pam (Schoemer, the director of special education and the CHOICES program), she feels we can continue as we have in the past,? Miller said.
Steve Hendershott, president of the Brandon Education Association, said he visited Ferguson on Wednesday morning to welcome him back.
‘I’m happy for Dr. Ferguson because he loves Brandon High School,? he said. ‘I don’t know if it’s the correct decision. I am glad he gets to do what he loves to do. I’m happy for him. The teachers? union has issues throughout the district, at every building, but there was nothing specifically directed at Dr. Ferguson.?
Hendershott would not comment on specific issues at the high school.
The week following the removal of Ferguson was a tumultuous one. Teachers protested the move by wearing black on Jan. 21 and students followed suit the next day. They also staged a sit-down protest with more than 100 students participating and on Jan. 23, in further protest, 235 students were absent from school, many with the ‘Fergie flu.?
Students had a snow day on Jan. 30, missing the first day of Ferguson’s return, but word spread that he was back. Patrick Wivo, one of three students suspended during the sit-down protest, said, ‘I am the happiest man in the world right now. I feel like we did a good job of getting our principal back and stood up for something good. Everyone involved in this should feel proud of themselves, I know I do. Dr. Ferguson is a great principal.?
Even though Wivo is pleased with Ferguson’s reinstatement, he is still seeking answers for why the transfer was done to begin with and he says he and other students want Miller gone as superintendent.
‘We worked hard to get Dr. Ferguson back and now we’ll work even harder to get Mr. Miller out of office,? he said. ‘I don’t think he’s good for the schools.?
Kathy Stockley, a township resident, started a petition on Wednesday to remove Miller as superintendent and said she has mailed it to several people who have been in contact with her about the situation.
‘I’m hoping to gather enough signatures to get rid of him,? Stockley said. ‘What he just did to Dr. Ferguson is what drove me to do this. I plan to continue because Mr. Miller doesn’t have the right to disrupt the community as he has.?
Stockley plans to have the petition available for signing at the library, 304 South St., from 2-6 p.m. Feb. 8, and from 2-5 p.m., Feb. 11.
School Board Secretary Karyn Milligan said she is glad Ferguson and Miller met and seemed to work things out.
‘I’m happy the lines of communication were opened and the dialogue has begun, but it remains to be seen if we will all be sitting around the campfire singing Kumbayah now,? she said. ‘I’ve never seen anything like this, with the community all voicing opinions. We listened and tried to answer everyone’s concerns… It was just crazy. Now we’re getting e-mails about firing Tom, and I haven’t even thought about that.?
Miller agreed to a 3-year contract in February 2005. A new superintendent contract is due to be in place by the end of this month.