The principal of Baltimore City College High School apparently had a change of heart after coming under community fire for transferring two teachers and failing to renew the contract of another instructor.
Patrick Daniel, who teaches English and speech, and social studies teacher John Morrow learned of Principal Timothy Dawson?s decision to transfer them in lettersdated July 2 from the school board.
Social studies teacher Sedrick Smith learned about his termination when he reported for summer school.
Their supporters surmised that Dawson took action because the teachers were liaisons for the Union Chapter Committee, a school organization the principal allegedly didn?t like.
Supporters were prepared to rally on the trio?s behalf at Tuesday evening?s school board meeting, planning to say the teachers played crucial roles in educational programs and extracurricular activities and, as members of UCC, were tireless advocates for improving the school.
However, the rally was called off just before the meeting after supporters learned the teachers would remain in their jobs.
When contacted Tuesday afternoon, schools spokeswoman Vanessa Pyatt said she was not aware of the situation.
But she said officials were looking into the matter and that typically, they are not at liberty to discuss personnel actions.
School board member Kalman Hettleman commented shortly after that “the matter is under review by Dr. [Andres] Alonso and the [school] board.”
Later, when a reporter contacted Daniel, he quickly responded, saying the matter had been resolved.
“Everything?s worked out,” Daniel said. “It looks like [Dawson] changed his mind and we all will be returning to our rightful positions.”
Morrow was out of town and Smith couldn?t be reached for comment.
Pyatt, when told of Daniel?s response, said she was unable to comment.
TEACHER?S LETTER LANDS ON MYSPACE
Teacher Patrick Daniel said in a letter to friends ? and which made its way onto MySpace ? that the trio had been accused of racially dividing the staff. He also described his transfer to Mervo as “retaliation for being a member of the Union Chapter Committee at City and fighting to improve conditions at the school.”
Why do you think Timothy Dawson reversed his decision about the three City College teachers? Respond below in our comment section.
