Morrisville Students Protest With Prayer
By Natalie Swallow
Story Created: Mar 27, 2008
Story Updated: Mar 27, 2008
Three new coaching spots open in Morrisville have some students and parents concerned about what happened to the two coaches who previously held those jobs.
Since Monday, about 200 students and parents have come together each morning in front of the Marion C. Early Schools in a prayer circle, hoping administrators or the school board would change their minds.
Students bow their heads in prayer in hopes the school will give two beloved coaches their jobs back.
"At first, we were really aggravated, and all we wanted to do is rebel, Coach Stewart came to us and said she didn't want us to do that because she didn't want us to get in trouble, and it went against all things she had taught us, so we told her our idea to pray, and she was really happy with it," basketball player Tiffany Taylor said.
The two coaches, Melody Stewart and David Francka both had winning records, leaving some students and parents questioning why the decisions were made to let one resign and the remove the other.
"They're not giving anyone a reason, and so until we know a reason, we can't agree with what they're doing," concerned parent Lisa Cossins said.
"We've been told it’s for reasons we do not know, but Coach Stewart is never wrong to anybody, in my opinion, she's never done anything wrong to be forced to resignation," Taylor said.
Marion C. Early principal said she had no comment.
The superintendent wouldn't speak of specific personnel issues either, but told us it was ultimately the school board's decision, which got recommendations from school administration.
No matter who made the decision, students don't plan to give up their morning prayer circle until these coaches are back.
"Until it works. Until God shows his mighty powers, I guess," Taylor said.
The school board voted 5 to 2 in favor of both accepting Stewart's resignation and the coaching list for the upcoming school year without Francka's name on it.
The school board made decisions on the upcoming school year's coaches at last Thursday's meeting.
The next school board meeting is April 17.
By Natalie Swallow
Story Created: Mar 27, 2008
Story Updated: Mar 27, 2008
Three new coaching spots open in Morrisville have some students and parents concerned about what happened to the two coaches who previously held those jobs.
Since Monday, about 200 students and parents have come together each morning in front of the Marion C. Early Schools in a prayer circle, hoping administrators or the school board would change their minds.
Students bow their heads in prayer in hopes the school will give two beloved coaches their jobs back.
"At first, we were really aggravated, and all we wanted to do is rebel, Coach Stewart came to us and said she didn't want us to do that because she didn't want us to get in trouble, and it went against all things she had taught us, so we told her our idea to pray, and she was really happy with it," basketball player Tiffany Taylor said.
The two coaches, Melody Stewart and David Francka both had winning records, leaving some students and parents questioning why the decisions were made to let one resign and the remove the other.
"They're not giving anyone a reason, and so until we know a reason, we can't agree with what they're doing," concerned parent Lisa Cossins said.
"We've been told it’s for reasons we do not know, but Coach Stewart is never wrong to anybody, in my opinion, she's never done anything wrong to be forced to resignation," Taylor said.
Marion C. Early principal said she had no comment.
The superintendent wouldn't speak of specific personnel issues either, but told us it was ultimately the school board's decision, which got recommendations from school administration.
No matter who made the decision, students don't plan to give up their morning prayer circle until these coaches are back.
"Until it works. Until God shows his mighty powers, I guess," Taylor said.
The school board voted 5 to 2 in favor of both accepting Stewart's resignation and the coaching list for the upcoming school year without Francka's name on it.
The school board made decisions on the upcoming school year's coaches at last Thursday's meeting.
The next school board meeting is April 17.
