Dr. Neal is Best for Franklin County

To the Editor:
Dr. Neal is by far the best principal that the Franklin County School System has had. He did not come to our county and tell us what to do and how to do it. Instead, this very humble, wise man asked us what we thought needed to be done to turn our school system around. He wanted to hear what everyone had to say - good or bad.
Dr. Neal knows that our students are the most important things in the schools. Don't get me wrong - teachers are a very vital part but the children have to be our priority. They are our future. Dr. Neal believes in a nurturing, safe environment - something that is extremely important for our children. They need to feel that the school system cares for them and that they are safe. Any time a child comes around Dr. Neal, his eyes light up. He deeply cares for our children.
I will never forget the night we had open house for the East campus. Dr. Neal walked up to the children, parents, everyone and introduced himself. I watched him speak to a "cute little blonde-headed girl" and asked her if she wanted to go get a cookie with him. He held out his hand for hers and she took his hand. And they both walked to the refreshment table together hand in hand. That was the moment I knew he was the man we had been looking for in a principal. It was an absolutely precious moment.
We need a principal who shows this kind of love and support for our children. No matter who is hired to be the new principal, he or she will "NOT" be able to fill this man's shoes. He is an amazing man. He has done so much in the short time he has been here. Imagine what he could do if he was allowed to stay with us. Our children need stability, nurturing, and support. Dr. Neal is the epitome of stability, cutting edge ideas, and a step forward into the 21st century.
The staff has worked for a year to plan for the 2008-2009 school year. Upon entering the new school, the plan must be implemented with success and fidelity; it must be carried out by those who worked so hard on the plan. Most of all, we must have the leadership of our current principal to carry the plan out successfully. Please reconsider. Think about our children- they matter most of all.
Sincerely,
M. Amison