>> GMC PREP
Drama brewed last week over the announcement of the removal of Dr. Steve Greer from his role as principal at GMC Preparatory School.
On Jan. 31, GMC President William Caldwell sent out an email to GMC Prep parents to inform them it was Greer’s last day as principal at GMC Prep School. Since that letter was sent out, both parents and faculty have showed their disapproval through the “#istandwithgreer” hashtag on Facebook and the “Help William Caldwell Retire” petition.
“Speaking from personal experience after graduating from GMC, Dr. Greer made such an incredible impact on not only my high school years but my entire future,” states a GMC Prep alumni under the hashtag. “The school made the most positive impact on my future but without the influence of people like Dr. Greer, I don’t know if that will remain for future students.”
“Dr. Greer has been an outstanding asset to this school and has always been a light when I have been around him,” wrote a parent under the hashtag. “He loves those kids and is ALWAYS involved however he can be…I think this was a HUGE mistake and it needs to be corrected.” The “Help William Caldwell Retire,” petition, started by Richard Davis, earned 905 signatures between Jan. 31 and Feb. 3. According to the petition’s description, it was in support of retiring Caldwell, claiming “his leadership is no longer effective.” The description further states there has been a lack of transparency in the institution and that GMC Prep School is “being directly harmed by his agenda.”
“Toxic leadership and lack of good decision making are leading this great institution into the ground,” wrote an anonymous employee as their reason for signing.
“It is unprofessional to take a well-respected principal and suddenly reassign him to a lower-tier role, not inform faculty and students, and then fire him when he simply relates his reassignment to his subordinates and tuition-paying families,” wrote Robert Hiett for their reason for signing. “It sounds like the general has been there too long, and apparently has begun to think and act like a dictator.”
Despite the outrage from both faculty and parents, the GMC Board of Trustees released a public letter on Feb. 3 declaring their support of Caldwell and his decision to remove Greer.
“After careful evaluation and analysis of all the information leading up to this week and what has transpired since, the GMC Board of Trustees unequivocally stands behind President Caldwell and the institution’s decision to remove Dr. Greer from his role at the Preparatory School,” states the letter signed by George Hogan, Sr., chairman of the Board of Trustees.
After the release of the letter, Davis closed the petition and posted an update regarding the board’s decision.
“Just wanted to thank everyone! Your voice was heard and considered, but the Board reached a decision, so the collection of signatures no longer seems necessary,” wrote Davis. “You will continue in my prayers! Now is the time to heal!”
In addition to the board’s approval of Caldwell’s decision, the letter also states that the board shares an appreciation for Greer’s service to GMC Preparatory School and asks that any further engagements or dialogue that are creating a disruption for the students be discontinued and further emphasizes to not involve students in the matter.