Parents, Teachers Show Support of Dothan City Schools Principal

Dozens of parents and teachers gathered Monday night to support Greg Yance, a Girard Middle School Principal whose contract was not renewed by the board.

 "We wanted the community and school board to be aware of the facts. We didn't feel like the reasons given in the paper for Mr. Yance's non-renewal made sense with what we know to be true. We didn't think it was an accurate reflection of what he does and what things are like at Girard," said Katherine Hart, one of the teachers in attendance.

Under the teacher accountability act, school systems must give reasons for non-renewals. The board's reasons for Yance's non-renewal were aggressive acts by students at Girard and a lack of student control. But the teachers and parents disagree.

"With a population that is 490 students, over 80% are in poverty. We are only having one or more fights in a week. We didn't feel like the (reason) for aggressive acts warranted a termination or non-renewal of a contract," said Hart.

Dothan City Schools Superintendent Tim Wilder says he understands the group's concerns. "I appreciate their concerns and passion and loyalty. But there was nothing tonight that would lead anyone to believe that we have reconsidered that decision," he said.