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Leon Smith appointed Interim Principal
It's classic good versus evil. Last Spring Washington County School Superintendant Larry Graves demoted Director of Pupil Personnel Johnny Reinle, claiming he was not doing his job. He failed to provide proof of his allegations however and resulting legal action forced the issue to a head. And speaking of heads...Leon Smith's head was then feared to be next to fall victim to Graves' proverbial chopping block. Talk of a "hit list," rampant fear among school employees - of whom 30 were either fired or threatened with termination and talk of a strike by school bus drivers stirred the community. Citizens, many of them from the two men's church - The River of Life - rallied in support of the two men, attending school board meetings, talking to school board members and praying for miracles. Their prayers were answered. Johnny Renile's attorney reached a settlement agreement and got Johnny got his job back after agreeing to retire in 2006. Leon Smith, once so concerned he was next to be terminated, was appointed interim principal by the Washington County High School Site Based Council - a strong show of confidence in his character, principles and abilities. God does keep His promises. Those who walk with him are protected. The saga of whether Graves will continue to be school superintendent however, is not over. Graves still has two months on his current contract as superintendant and there's no word yet on whether the school board will rehire him - or simply let his contract lapse. Repeated requests to the state by several citizens and local officials have not moved Governor Fletcher or the State Board to investigate Graves and citizen allegations of bullying, harassment and abuse. Graves denies the allegations.
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 > (left to right) Friend and fellow church member Terry Bishop shakes Leon Smith's hand upon hearing that Smith is to be appointed interim principal of Washington County High School for 2005/2006.
 > At a 4'o'clock meeting at Washington County High School members of the WCHS site based council, teachers, school administrators and friends, family and the press take their seats in the WCHS school library. (c) 2005 Photo by Becky Blanton. All rights reserved.
 > (right to left) Springfield Sun reporter, St. Catharine's college communications director and site-based council member Tom Bystrek jokes with other board members shortly before the meeting starts. (c) 2005 Photo by Becky Blanton. All rights reserved.
 > Site based council members speak shortly before the meeting begins. (c) 2005 Photo by Becky Blanton. All rights reserved.
 > Members in attendance included school board administrators, members of the press, friends and family. (c) 2005 Photo by Becky Blanton. The Washington County Monitor was NOT contacted or advised of the site based meeting by school officials - but the Springfield Sun was. Historically the Sun gives only positive press to the school board - who is a major advertiser with the newspaper. The Montitor - on the other hand, reports what's people are really saying. (c) 2005 Photo by Becky Blanton.
 > Springfield-Washington County Rescue Squad Commander Joe Carpenter was present for the meeting/announcement. Carpenter spoke out on behalf of Johnny Reinle at the school board meeting where citizens organized to support Reinle. (c) 2005 Photo by Becky Blanton. All rights reserved.
 > Prior to the announcement. (c) 2005 Photo by Becky Blanton. All rights reserved.
 > The clock on the wall is wrong. It is slightly after 4 p.m. when the site-based council announces their decision and updates the attendees about their search for a new principal. Former Principal Taylora Brown is gone after less than two years - alledgedly having been told her job may not have been secure had she stayed. Brown joins at least 30 other Washington County School board teachers and employees in receiving either a termination or notice of non-renewal in 2005. (c) 2005 Photo by Becky Blanton. All rights reserved.
 > School Superindent Larry Graves, back row on right, listens intently, but does not speak during the first part of the meeting. (c) 2005 Photo by Becky Blanton. All rights reserved.
Springfield-Washington County Rescue Squad Commander Joe Carpenter was present for the meeting/announcement. Carpenter spoke out on behalf of Johnny Reinle at the school board meeting where citizens organized to support Reinle. (c) 2005 Photo by Becky Blanton. All rights reserved.
Springfield-Washington County Rescue Squad Commander Joe Carpenter was present for the meeting/announcement. Carpenter spoke out on behalf of Johnny Reinle at the school board meeting where citizens organized to support Reinle. (c) 2005 Photo by Becky Blanton. All rights reserved.
Springfield-Washington County Rescue Squad Commander Joe Carpenter was present for the meeting/announcement. Carpenter spoke out on behalf of Johnny Reinle at the school board meeting where citizens organized to support Reinle. (c) 2005 Photo by Becky Blanton. All rights reserved.
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