From Staff Reports
AMERICUS — A small contingent of students protested the ousting of their principal early Tuesday morning at Americus-Sumter County High School’s South Campus, 805 Harrold Ave.
Valerie Roberts, assistant superintendent for personnel and student activities for Sumter County Schools, confirmed to the Times-Recorder that between 18 to 20 students, carrying signs, walked out of the school for about five minutes at about 8:25 a.m. during the school’s morning announcements. She told the newspaper that a text was sent around Monday night asking students to walk out in protest.
Roberts said the signs were small, “maybe 8 by 10 (inches),” and read essentially “We want Gadson,” which the students also chanted.
She also confirmed that the students were protesting the release of Principal Ron Gadson. She said the principal will not be back next year; she would not elaborate.
Sumter County Schools Superintendent Dennis McMahon confirmed that Gadson will not be back for another school year.
“It’s not been voted on yet by the Board,” McMahon said, “but he’s (Gadson) not been recommended for rehiring.”
Gadson served as principal of the Americus-Sumter County Freshman Academy on the North Campus for two years prior to going to the South Campus, where he has been principal for the past two years.
Roberts said the students who walked out will be disciplined for being late to class with three days of in-school suspension.
— From Staff Reports
