Student questions school board's decision

This letter is about the termination of high school teacher, Mrs. Pearson. My question to the board of education is why was it so important to terminate Mrs. Pearson without the knowledge of the student body? What is the huge secret as to why she was terminated?

The day Mrs. Pearson was terminated I made the "mistake" of going down the hallway and talked to Mrs. Pearson, a close friend with whom I have confided in for several years. When we were finished Mr. Gfell, the school principal made the hasting motion for me to evacuate the hallway, then locked the doors to the hallway. In addition, I find it curious that when I ask about Mrs. Pearson and her situation not one of our teachers knows anything about the details or whether they could be terminated next for small mistakes.

I am not saying Mrs. Pearson didn't make mistakes or even that her actions should be overlooked because of her years as a teacher. What I am stating is that Mrs. Pearson should not be punished for accepting help when needed, because she worked around the clock, sometimes without rest, to help the students that she considers her own children achieve the education they deserve and will need to succeed in life. I believe the punishment is more severe than the crime committed. I believe that with the support of the student body and the assistance of the Swanton Enterprise, we could finally find out the real reasons as to the termination of a beloved educator who was wrongfully punished.

John Slawinski

SHS Senior

Editor's Note: An explanation of the board's decision is published in today's issue.