Students & Parents React to Metamora School Board Decision
By: Eugene Daniel
Updated: March 19, 2013
METAMORA - An emotional scene at Metamora High School Monday night. Hundreds of students and parents aren't happy about a decision concerning the future of a beloved teacher.
Metamora School Board meetings are rarely packed, but Monday night countless students and parents came to support high school music teacher Todd Cheek.
He's resigning, but this crowd thinks something's not right.
Sam Ryan says, "He's impacted our lives in such a tremendous way. If this decision is carried out, not only would it be a huge mistake but a great loss of the student body and school."
The school board would not discuss the matter, though parents and students think he was forced to do it. Monday night, they urged the board to turn down Cheek's resignation.
"Do you remember what it was like before Mr. Cheek came? Well we do. said student Kat Devore."
M-T-H-S Parent Becky Salmon, "I've consulted an attorney. This is not a done deal, you have a choice.
That led the board into a two hour executive session. Barely any left, instead, students sang to honor Todd Cheek.
A tribute to their beloved teacher.
Finally, the board returned only to accept his resignation. A heartbreaking moment for these kids.
"He deserves way more than this, and now he doesn't have it, said Devore. So obviously some of the reaction is because we'll miss him, but he deserves much more than this."
Parent Dawn Downs said, "It's very sad to lose a very great, teacher in our school district. I'm sorry."
Cheek is allowed to finish the rest of the school year. But it's clear, this crowd won't know how to say good-bye.
Cheek became Metamora's music teacher in 2009. He also graduated from the high school. Cheek's resignation is effective at the end of the school year.
Metamora School Board meetings are rarely packed, but Monday night countless students and parents came to support high school music teacher Todd Cheek.
He's resigning, but this crowd thinks something's not right.
Sam Ryan says, "He's impacted our lives in such a tremendous way. If this decision is carried out, not only would it be a huge mistake but a great loss of the student body and school."
The school board would not discuss the matter, though parents and students think he was forced to do it. Monday night, they urged the board to turn down Cheek's resignation.
"Do you remember what it was like before Mr. Cheek came? Well we do. said student Kat Devore."
M-T-H-S Parent Becky Salmon, "I've consulted an attorney. This is not a done deal, you have a choice.
That led the board into a two hour executive session. Barely any left, instead, students sang to honor Todd Cheek.
A tribute to their beloved teacher.
Finally, the board returned only to accept his resignation. A heartbreaking moment for these kids.
"He deserves way more than this, and now he doesn't have it, said Devore. So obviously some of the reaction is because we'll miss him, but he deserves much more than this."
Parent Dawn Downs said, "It's very sad to lose a very great, teacher in our school district. I'm sorry."
Cheek is allowed to finish the rest of the school year. But it's clear, this crowd won't know how to say good-bye.
Cheek became Metamora's music teacher in 2009. He also graduated from the high school. Cheek's resignation is effective at the end of the school year.
Comments
Why is some of our school board members made up of people who NO LONGER have kids in the school system. Why dont you move along and do something better with your time and let people who have kids that walk these halls have a say in what the school does. Get a life, and quit ruining our teachers.
usafhawks u.
March 21, 2013 at 9:10 am
Another example of how a few parents feel they are privileged and complain the board won't stand up to them.
John D.
March 20, 2013 at 8:26 pm
There is one board member who got it right last night. Kudos to Mr. Curtis for having the courage of his convictions to vote "No". This is, unfortunately, a perfect example of how the collective majority is often clueless.
Jon B.
March 19, 2013 at 1:10 pm
Corey C.
March 19, 2013 at 9:29 am
