Friday, February 20, 2009

Lose Cool - Lose Job

"Never lose your cool."

That was the advice I got from Fayette County Area Assistant Superintendent Dick Jones, in 1986, when I first became the Principal of Meadowthorpe Elementary School in Lexington. In those pre-KERA days, Jones said he could protect his principals from most of the pitfalls of the job, but there were a few things he couldn't protect us from. Bad discipline in the school; missing money, and anything inappropriate involving a student.

After many years as a public school administrator, Jones understood the way kids can get under your skin, bait you, and even challenge your manhood. But principals are expected to rise above such things. The job is hard. His advice was sound.

Nicholas principal suspended;
mother wants criminal charges

The Nicholas County High School principal who was placed on leave last week after an incident with a student has been suspended.

Nicholas County school spokesman Hank Bond declined to answer any questions in relation to Joseph Orazen after the school released a statement Wednesday afternoon that said the district will make no other comment or answer any questions "until due process has been served."

"Mr. Joe Orazen is suspended, and he has a right to request a hearing from the Commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Education," the statement said.

The student, Dusty Green, 15, has been suspended for 10 days, said his mother, Michelle Green of Carlisle.

Michelle Green said she is outraged and wants criminal charges filed against Orazen. She said she has not yet hired a lawyer.

"I'm mad," she said. "I'm anxious for the criminal proceedings to go forward." ...


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