Strong Superintendent Addresses Problems in District
By: Alex Hale
Updated: May 26, 2010
Strong-Huttig Superintendent Dr. Terry Davis said, “It’s been tough, anytime you have people across the street protesting against you, it’s not easy.” The protest started when elementary school Principal Toni Barnett was moved to the Alternative Learning Classroom. The move outraged parents, teachers and students— they say Dr. Davis demoted Barnett for personal reasons. Davis said, “It was a lateral transfer, she was not demoted, she was not terminated, she was transferred.” But just two days later Barnett says she received a letter saying she was suspended from school property. She says no reason was given. Davis’ response to the claim— no comment. Some residents are also concerned because the superintendent has cut the special education workforce. Many also think she’s simply not capable of doing her job. Everyday Dr. Davis goes to work at Central Office and across the street protesters have lined the street for nearly two weeks— chanting things like, “Delete Dr. Davis.” Davis says those chants don’t bother her because she’s here to do a job and the job is what she’s focused on. Davis said, “I have two years left on my contract and I plan to be here to do this. When I came here there were a lot of problems here.” But some parents say Davis is the problem. Tracie Meshell said, “Our fear is that our school will eventually close that we won’t have enough students and the teachers we do have won’t be good cause all the teachers are leaving.” Strong residents aren’t being quiet about their concerns— signs in yards, painted cars and letters upon letters are being sent to the department of education. Davis said, “That doesn’t bother me. I was hired to do a job, I’m doing my job, I’m pleased where the district is going.” Parents in Strong are now trying to decide what’s next, some want to move their kids to the El Dorado School District. But officials in El Dorado say they can’t accept transfer students unless they move into the district. 
