Moore principal getting support
By Mary Anderson
Staff Writer, The Courier-Tribune
WESTMOORE - The Westmoore School PTA has called an open meeting Monday
night at 7 p.m. in support of principal Bruce Williams who has been charged
by a parent with two counts of misdemeanor false imprisonment.
Williams has been principal of Westmoore, the only K-8 school in Moore
County, since 1991 and has been with Moore County schools since 1978 when
he started at Highfalls Elementary.
Tammy Galloway, who has two sons enrolled in the school, filed a criminal
summons against Williams on Dec. 8 after an incident in Williams' office
on Nov. 30 during which she alleges that Williams put his hand on the door
and refused to let her and her sixth-grade son leave the room. Galloway
had requested a conference with Williams concerning an altercation between
her son and another boy. Galloway released a statement on Friday explaining
her position.
Williams has not made a public statement, instead referring comments
to his attorney.
On Dec. 13, Assistant Superintendent Brian Phillips informed the faculty
and staff that Williams was on personal leave while the matter was under
investigation.
Parents and community leaders immediately came to Williams' defense.
Petitions have been circulated and a rally was held Dec. 13 across the street
from the school.
"I know Bruce Williams well enough to know that he always followed
school policy," said Bill Garner, former Moore County of Board of Education
member. "Bruce came to Westmoore the year after it opened and has been
here ever since. I was on the Board of Education until two years ago and
I know his evaluations were good and Bruce is one of the finest principals
in the county. Westmoore is one of the better schools in the system, is
perfectly maintained and has low teacher turnover."
Garner said he was disappointed with the way the schools' administration
has handled the situation. Putting Williams on leave on the grounds of an
allegation has brought undeserved negative publicity, but no mention has
been made of the accuser's background, Garner said.
"This is just not right to treat this man this way," Garner
said in a telephone interview on Thursday.
Tammy Galloway, who said she wanted to clear up the misconceptions some
people had, made the following statement on Friday:
"There seems to be some confusion as to what this situation is really
about. This situation is not about a discipline problem. This issue is about
a principal holding a parent and her child in his office against their will.
"I can only assume that you want to know why? The answer: I insulted
his integrity by telling him I didn't think he was doing his job. When I
tried to leave, he held the door shut and informed me I wasn't going anywhere,
that I had just insulted his integrity and he didn't take that lightly.
He appeared very angry. Only after three requests did he remove his hand
and allow me and my son to leave the room.
"For some of you, I know this is hard to swallow and until a few
years ago it would have been for me as well. The whole reason I moved my
kids to Westmoore School was because of the community involvement that really
made this school great. I still believe this is a great school and I am
truly sorry for all the negative publicity that it has brought to us. But
I am not sorry for filing this complaint. Right is right and wrong is wrong
and as one person mentioned, we've had too much swept under the rug already
in this county... no more.
"To clear the air, the rumor that I am doing this for the money
is outrageous. I volunteer my time, I donate money, and help with fund-raising
for this school. I would never consider taking money from it. There is no
lawsuit, there will not be a lawsuit, and nor was one ever discussed.
"To all of those folks who rallied in support I say, 'That's what
I expected of you' sticking together supporting our school: good job.' But
I also say to you that you need to know all the facts. Also, do you really
think they would remove a principal over one complaint? I don't think so.
"To all the parents and 'others' who have supported me in doing
this I thank you. I believe the truth will stand for itself."
Randal Thompson, a member of the Westmoore School Advisory Committee,
said he was concerned with the handling of the situation so far, especially
possible effects on the Westmoore students and he believed the whole situation
had been blown out of proportion.
"I am confused. The administration said he (Williams) asked for
a leave of absence, but his attorney said he didn't," Thompson said.
"It appears that he is being presumed guilty. Yet, he has an exemplary
record."
Thompson said he has not heard a negative word toward Williams, even
from parents whose children have been disciplined.
Dr. Susan Purser, superintendent of Moore County Schools, is expected
to attend the Monday night meeting, according to PTA President Robin McNeill.
"As a parent, I want to trust the administration. I think it is
important for Dr. Purser to be there, because there is a lot of distrust
of the county office from the past administration. As the new superintendent,
her credibility is important," McNeill said.
Purser became superintendent last July when she replaced Dr. Patrick
Russo, who resigned at the end of the 2003-04 school year. The Moore County
Board of Education, which met last on Dec. 6, is not involved in the controversy.
Virginia Saunders is a Moore County commissioner, but said she was speaking
to this issue as a concerned citizen and grandmother.
"I have known Bruce Williams all his life. Bruce attended school
with my children. I watched him grow up. He is a man of character and moral
values," Saunders said in a prepared statement.
Saunders said she has visited Westmoore School on many occasions and
the sense of warmth and welcoming in the school office made it an inviting
place for parents and students.
"Schools that are making the grade are those with strong people-oriented
principals such as Bruce Williams. I believe in public schools, but it is
getting harder for teachers, principals and parents to keep fighting things
that should not be so hard. They need our continued support," Saunders
said.
Copyright 2002, Stephens Media Group
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