FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – Military police were dispatched to Fort Campbell High School (FCHS) Tuesday in response to a controversy involving the reassignment of a popular administrator.
Assistant Principal Demetrius Thomas was temporarily reassigned to Wassom Middle School this week, and parents and students alike have protested the decision.
A Facebook page was created by parents who feel the decision was unjust, and #bringthomasback has been used as the rallying cry.
FCHS Principal Hugh McKinnon released an official statement, saying MPs were dispatched to the school “as a measure of caution, to ensure the safety of students, faculty and property. Their increased presence is meant to prevent any misconduct by the disgruntled students and parents in response to the Superintendent’s decision.”
Dr. Frank Calvano, Kentucky District Superintendent, also released a statement to explain the temporary reassignment.
“Recently, I took an administrative action to reassign a Fort Campbell School employee. That decision was mine and mine alone; no student, parent or command actions or complaint played any role in my decision. This reassignment to another school and/or the Central Office was not in any way a disciplinary action, but rather a temporary step pending an internal review of administrative policies and procedures at the high school. The Federal Privacy Act prohibits me from any further comment,” he said.
Rumors on social media claim Thomas was reassigned due to a bullying issue at the school. Lisa Mitchell, a parent who said her child was involved in the alleged bullying controversy, spoke to ClarksvilleNow.com on Tuesday.
Mitchell said Thomas brought the students involved in the alleged bullying together for a meeting to resolve the issue.
She said after the meeting the bullying persisted, and Monday during lunch hour her daughter stood on a table to speak her mind.
Mitchell said she and other parents believe this incident led to the reassignment.
The school’s administration says this is not the case.
“Some students and parents are not pleased with the superintendent’s decision – a decision that had nothing to do with any particular student, staff member, or situation,” the officials statement reads. “We are asking all parents to monitor their students’ use of cell phones and social media. Please encourage your student to act responsibly on known facts and to refrain from engaging in spreading false information or rumors.”