Cape middle school students rally around principal

Hundreds of students from Cape Girardeau's Central Middle School gathered around the flag pole in front of the school this morning, protesting the firing of principal Frank Ellis.

Holding signs with slogans like "Save Our Principal" and "Mr. Ellis is our friend, not just our principal" and chanting, the mostly 6th-grade students gathered for the rally at around 8:30 a.m.

The event was organized by the student body. Ellis and assistant principal Debbie Followell were not rehired for the 2007-08 school year following a Cape Girardeau School Board meeting last week.

Ellis said he appreciated the students' support.

"I feel like I am going to run somewhere and cry," he said.

The students organized the rally which lasted about a half hour. Ellis watched the crowd of students, making sure that the rally didn't get out of control.

Fifth grader Darious Whitney cheered loudly for Ellis.

"He cares about the students," said Darious.

Sixth grader Casey Funk said, "He is the best principal."

Tierra Baker, a sixth grader, said Ellis cares about the students.

"He gives people a second chance," she said.

Dai Coomer, a parent of two sets of twins attending the school, showed up to observe the rally.

Standing across the street from the crowd of students, Coomer said Ellis has done a good job as principal.

"It''s fairly obvious the kids aren't complaining," he said.

"Maybe we need to replace members of the school board," said Coomer.

Following the middle school rally, about 50 students from the adjacent junior high school walked outside to voice support for Ellis. Many of the students gave him hugs.

For more details, check back at www.semissourian.com later today or read Wednesday's Southeast Missourian.