Members of the Clayton High School Parent Advisory Council (PAC) are demanding to meet with the Johnston County School Board. The group wants to meet to express concerns about the Aug. 12th removal of popular Principal Bennett Jones. Jones was transferred to a position in Central Office. The move comes two months into an investigation into allegations of grade fixing.
In a letter from PAC members addressed to School Board Chairman Mike Wooten, Vice Chair Dr. Peggy Smith, and the remaining members of the School Board the council said, “We have some VERY SERIOUS concerns about the handling of the reassignment of our principle (sic) Dr. Jones.”
“We have walked step by step with Dr. Jones for several years and have witnessed his character, values and commitment to our students along with his passion, love and respect for the students and community,” the letter states.
The letter is from PAC members Tracy Daniels, Susan Doyle, Kevin Hubbard, Judge Addie Rawls, James Rodgers and Missy Solomon.
In an email to JoCoReport, Rodgers said “We unanimously support Dr. Bennett Jones! We have seen the dramatic improvements that Dr. Jones has made in his short time at Clayton High School. Dr. Jones is an incredible leader and Johnston County is incredibly fortunate to have him. This entire process has not been fair to Dr. Jones and his family. It is clear that Dr. Jones has absolutely incredible support from the students, parents and community as a whole.”
The letter was dated Aug. 18th. As of today (Thursday), Rodgers said the Council has yet to officially hear from the school board on whether or not they will meet with Advisory Council members.
