Principal Speaks Out as Teachers Trounce Offer
By ANNIE DIMMICKMOUNDSVILLE - The battle between teachers and two administrators at John Marshall High School is continuing as the teachers have rejected a proposed mediation offer.
John Marshall Principal Thomas Wood also is claiming that some of the high school's faculty are guilty of bullying and intimidating administrators - a reversal of the accusations that faculty members have made against Wood and Assistant Principal Connie Young over the treatment of teachers.
Late Wednesday, the Faculty Senate voted 64-5 in a secret ballot to reject an offer made by the Marshall County Board of Education. In the offer, the board intended to contract Rebecca Kender of the same Charleston law firm that currently represents the board to act as a mediator.
The offer came after teachers sent a letter to the board, claiming they are unhappy with the leadership provided by Wood and Young. The teachers alleged they are being "bullied, intimidated and subjected to ridicule" as well as "micromanaged" and "deliberately misinformed."
However, in a statement sent to The Intelligencer, Wood alleges he and his fellow administrators also have been subjected to the same abuse.
"We have been bullied, intimidated by certain faculty members who are using the press to try and make us respond," Wood said. "Do we enforce federal and state policies? Yes we do. We can't teach the law and choose not to follow it."
He said he has yet to see any evidence of the "intolerable environment in which they say they work."
After receiving the letter from the teachers, the Board of Education met in executive session Tuesday and drafted the mediation offer, which Faculty Senate President Josh Gary said does not address the issues in their letter.
"We feel it was not a good faith gesture to offer a mediator from the law firm that represents the Marshall County administration and the Marshall County school board," Gary said.
Gary said it is Superintendent Fred Renzella's duty to investigate the "serious grievances" regarding the school administration and the rest of the county schools.
"We believe the investigation should be carried out by an unbiased third party and the full findings should be disclosed at the conclusion of the investigation," Gary added. "The wounds are too deep and the damage is too pervasive in our school for mediation to effectively resolve our differences."
Gary noted the primary concern of all teachers at the school is to provide an optimal learning environment.
Wood agreed in his statement, noting many accomplishments he claims the school has made over the past three years. Last year, the school was named a National Blue Ribbon School, the only one in West Virginia, and was also accepted into the Successful Practices Network by the International Center for Leadership, Wood said.
He also said his job is to ensure not only a safe environment for students, but to also make sure they receive the best education possible, which may include changes in how students are taught.
"My belief is 'students first,'" Wood said. "Gone are the days when the teachers can go into a room, shut the door and do what they want. It's all about O and A ... ownership and accountability, and teachers must be accountable for providing the best education possible for our students.
"How we must teach our students must change also and that is another goal for John Marshall High School," Wood added. "As head principal, I must take ownership of all issues and teachers must be accountable for providing the best education possible for our students. That's the mission I accepted on behalf of the parents of this county. I won't let them down."
Teachers from John Marshall are scheduled to attend the next Marshall County Board of Education meeting, which is set for 7:30 p.m. Tuesday in the board of education office, Fourth Street, Moundsville.
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Buykins
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05-26-09 12:45 PM
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The Board Meeting is tomight - all of my support goes to the teachers - They have a rough road ahead of them, TEACHERS don't CAVE in !!! - The meeting hopefully wll be fair at best - "right" LOL !!! I support you teachers go fight win !!!!
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dcnotpc
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05-24-09 10:38 AM
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I actually dont want folks like Wyatt out of the discussion. It shows what kinds of things the other side has to say.
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Diana75
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05-24-09 9:02 AM
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Ellis Wyatt- get a life! If you don't like it then don't log on!!!
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AMWood
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05-24-09 8:41 AM
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thanks Mamma2Alex...you said it perfectly! :)
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AMWood
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05-24-09 8:39 AM
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It is interesting that someone can lie under oath, and be considered a "role model," but writing a few TRUE words can be SHAMEFUL, UNPROFESSIONAL, and very IMMATURE??? Wyatt also mentioned my poor upbringing, and the difference btw my upbringing and the adult and MOTHER, that I have become is that instead of believing that lying and cheating to get what you want is ok, I listened to the parent who DID raise me, and not the one supposed to be a ROLE MODEL. Like dcnotpc said, it speaks volumes about someones' character, especially when they are teaching children. Again it didn't take ME writing about their relationship on a blog for the children to know...There will be a lot of "he said she said," but in this cause it seems to be the "he said WE said!" This says enough!
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Momma2Alex
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05-24-09 8:34 AM
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I think the reason for his daughter discussing aspects of her father's private life is that it speaks to his character. There are those who think they know about his relationship (or lack there of) with his children and likely she just wanted to set the story straight. I can't imagine how difficult this has all been on the family.
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dcnotpc
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05-24-09 7:26 AM
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Your condemnation of the child sounds like validation of the father's acts... You never spoke on ANYTHING having to do with the father. Just part of the culture we live in... The father steps out on the family (and you may say that he just stepped out on the mother, but if you step out on the mother, you step out on the kids too), but the kid is wrong for condemning the act. I agree this is not the forum for the debate of fidelity and airing family's dirty laundry, BUT is does speak to his character and the example set for the students. When Presidents and Highs School Principals cheat on their wives it CLEARLY sets an example for the children. And it didnt take a post on a silly website for those children to know about it.
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dcnotpc
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05-24-09 7:13 AM
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So Ellis, it is OK for people to post things on a website about lying, cheating, bullying, intimidation and such about ones workplace, but when it is done in the privacy of one's home it is different? Doesnt it speak to one's character that the things that happen in public are also happening in private? Maybe it's not true, maybe it is, but judging by what everyone knows about the man outside the home, I am guessing that it happened inside. The kid has a right to say what they want. Maybe is more kids spoke up to their parents, the parents would show the kids a little more respect, by NOT disrespecting their other parent by cheating. If you want to talk about something being shameful, it is the cheating. But if it was OK for Bill Clinton to do it, why not Tom Wood?
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AMWood
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05-24-09 12:31 AM
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EllisWyatt Thank you for all of your kind words...I can look in the mirror and am very proud of the woman that my mother and family have raised me to be. My father has disrespected me and my family for too long. Frankly, I don't care what other people think about me posting the truth. When a father lies, belittles, and deliberately goes out of his way to hurt his children and family, that man is NOT a father...that man is a coward. You don't me or my situation, so until you know what my household was like, you have no right to lecture me. It was time that the truth be told, and I have been silent for too long. The truth hurts, so don't hurt the people you are supposed to love, and this won't happen. You must know my dad, and he must of pulled the wool over your eyes too. Someday you will see what I am talking about. Have a great weekend :)
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EllisWyatt
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05-23-09 5:41 PM
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It is unprofessional, immature and just plain immoral to post details of this man's personal life on the internet. Such allegations cannot be proven online and to post them speaks to the childishness of the writer. To the girl who claims to be this man's daughter-I cannot believe that you would slander your father in such a manner. Of course, you must have had a poor upbringing to behave in such a dishonorable fashion. Statements regarding family details, sex, affairs and so forth are best kept within your family. I certainly don't want to read the sordid postings regarding poor choices that may or may not have been made by a person. This man may work for the public be is not a celebrity. His sex life should not be posted online for kids to see. If you are really this man's daughter, I suggest you take a long look in the mirror and ask yourself why you are so angry as to belittle yourself and your family. Shameful.
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Buykins
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05-22-09 7:24 PM
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I am so glad to hear that someone besides me feels he was playing GOD and that there is one and only GOD and it sure isn't him !!!! My Kudos to his family for speaking out, all the people who has spoken about how bad he is and the Children who walked out today !! All should be proud we all have had bad times because of him and now maybe JMHS teachers, service personnel and students now and future students can feel a little better about being there and going there, hopefully he will be gone for good - I have been praying for that to happen and for better times for all !!!!
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boxerboy
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05-22-09 5:49 PM
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Buykins: thanks for reminding me that Tom Woods' administrative career was mostly at MJHS. I went to school with Tom from 8th grade through graduation and I remember very well his style and character. I have read all the postings in this column and the feeling of vitriol runs through them as a common thread. How the mighty are fallen.
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examiner
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05-22-09 5:18 PM
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Wow! The more I read the worse this situation gets. Now I am flip flopping on this whole thing. Sure is alot to figure out. Now my heart is going out to his daughter and family. I am so sorry all of this is being aired out in the newspaper. I am so confused but if all what has been said is true, I just have to now change my mind and stand with the people and his family. FAMILY FIRST! God help all of you and now I would like for all of you to accept my apology for jumping before I read all of this!
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DragonFan
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05-22-09 5:15 PM
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Amen RodneyKing! We have already paid our dues! Our loss was JM's gain! We have been used as stepping stones for enough administrators. God Bless Jack Cain!
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thesauraus
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05-22-09 3:58 PM
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Tom, people have been trying to tell you there is only one God and you ain't Him!!!
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wasthere2long
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05-22-09 3:03 PM
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Thank you Buykins for supporting my children. It has been very difficult for them/me though the years and I myself have hesitated to blog for fear of retaliation. I always felt he lost when he walked out on us all but in his eyes power was everything. Finally the truth is public and today we, the children and the teachers of Marshall County are better for it. Always remember, God is bigger than anyone!
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Butterfly
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05-22-09 2:57 PM
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One news headline said he was placed on administrative leave, one said he "stepped down." Can't be both. They are different things.
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Buykins
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05-22-09 2:26 PM
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Some prayers have been answered - Tom has been put on administrative leave pending an investigation - Thanks to the students you pushed the issue !!!!! - Now maybe he will be on his way out and Coinnie will follow behind him - Remember she has to be close to him ! - Remember the elected board memembers should be the next to go and we the taxpayers can elect people who will work for us and the Children !!!!!
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Buykins
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05-22-09 2:07 PM
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AMWOOD - Thank you I am sorry for all of everything that you went through ! Also for everyone writing in he is sleeping with more than just Connie and yet she stays with him !!! She is a sick as he is !!! AMWOOD - Good Luck and you stay strong also !!!!
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Diana75
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05-22-09 1:08 PM
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Tom was an assistant principal at Cameron when I was there. If you were a jock or cheerleader he liked you! Total A--! Please don't send him back to Cameron cause I plan on moving my kids out there to avoid JM!! If he is having an affair with his assistant and deserted his family for another woman then what kind of example is he setting for our children(students)??
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AMWood
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05-22-09 11:24 AM
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Sorry my last post, posted twice :)
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JohnJJ
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05-22-09 9:59 AM
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Tom and Connie should have been trying to make an enviroment that enhances both faculty and child developement instead of making the "beast with two backs".
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RodneyKing
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05-22-09 9:52 AM
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Dear BOE members, On behalf of a large group of people, please do not send either of the administers to any Cameron schools. Later Rodney
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Butterfly
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05-22-09 9:42 AM
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The Board of Education will meet Tuesday evening and it would be wonderful if there were a large number of parents and community members present. This would let the county and school administration, as well as the Board of Education, know that people DO care and DO want action taken. Teachers and administrators CANNOT negotiate the claims made by teachers. The claims and requests are ADMINISTRATIVE responsibilities--that would be Mr. Renzella. And if Mr. Renzella fails to do his job, the Board of Education is obligated to take action.
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alilcommonsense
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05-22-09 9:17 AM
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It's laughable the the JM administration speaks of accountability and effective pedagogy. These two administrators know nothing of secondary curriculum and operative methodology. One can't teach the other how to speak a grammatically correct sentence; this is to say nothing of their obvious inability to provide strong leadership in the form of effective communication, interpersonal skills, integrity, motivation, work ethic, honesty and unity. It is indeed, a shame, that these two individuals choose to remain obstinately "blind" to their ineptitude for the positions they have slithered into. Their response to this situation clearly demonstrates the combative deafness they routinely employ when working "with" the faculty. Only bullheaded stupidity would allow one to stand firm on railroad tracks as the train approaches.
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