Dec 4, 2006 11:29 pm US/Central
2 McKinney Principals Accused Of Abusing Power
by Brooke Richie
McKINNEY (CBS 11 News) ―
Two principals at McKinney North High School are facing disciplinary action.
Principal Linda Theret and Assistant Principal Richard Brunner have been placed on paid administrative leave. Both are accused of abusing their authority.
Michaela Ward was the coach of the McKinney North High School cheer squad. She says that not everyone was treated equally. "I realized there was a group of students, group of cheerleaders, that were being treated differently, given special treatment, being shielded in different discipline areas," said Ward, "and to me that wasn't fair."
Ward quit as coach on principle, and she says she was forced to quit as a teacher.
She points to Principal Linda Theret, whose daughter was on the squad. "Linda Theret used her power," said Ward. "She was principal and head of the school, and anybody had to do what she said in order to keep their job."
Now, Theret and Assistant Principal Richard Brunner may be out of jobs themselves.
The district hired an attorney to conduct an investigation of allegations of abuse of power. Superintendent Tom Crowe said that the report showed inconsistencies in the way that certain students were disciplined, starting with the cheerleaders. Crowe said, "Based upon the findings of the investigation, it is not my intent to return either Ms. Theret or Mr. Brunner to McKinney North High School."
Some McKinney parents think the punishment seems unnecessarily stiff.
Teresa McKinnon, one parent, said, "I'd hate to see her lose her job for one mistake. I mean, we're all human, we all make mistakes."
Joann Fahning, another parent, said, "I can't say that I think she should be terminated over this. I think that's kind of ridiculous."
Ward said that she hopes this controversy is the catalyst to creating a new environment at McKinney North High School. "I am not the only person whose been treated this way, who has these scars from McKinney North," Ward said. "It goes well beyond me and well beyond cheerleading."
Superintendent Crowe said that he also does not intend to offer Ward her job back. Ward has an attorney and will not comment on whether she plans to sue the district.
As for the fate of the two principals, that will ultimately be deteremind by the school board.
(© MMVI, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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