CHARLESTON SCHOOL BOARD TO DISCUSS PRINCIPAL

CHARLESTON -- More than 50 people are scheduled to voice their opinions on the recent firing of Charleston High School principal Joe Forrest at tonight's school board meeting.

The meeting will be held at the Board of Education office at 7:30 p.m.

The list of scheduled speakers includes current and former teachers and administrators, parents and other community members.

Forrest said he will not attend due to scheduling conflicts. He said supporters have told him they will attend the meeting, but he has no idea what will be said.

"I didn't think I needed to be there, and I've got a class anyway," he said. "If I thought I would be needed at the meeting, I would be there."

Controversy arose after the Charleston Board of Education's decision not to renew Forrest's contract during its February board meeting. This decision was made even though Superintendent Terry Rowe, who had evaluated the principal, recommended he be retained.

Rowe was out of the office and unavailable for comment Wednesday.

The seven-member board failed to pass the simple majority that was needed to retain Forrest: Three board members voted to retain him, three voted against him and one member abstained.

Several Forrest supporters said they want to know the reasons behind the board's decision. More than 30 high school faculty and staff members signed a letter requesting a special board meeting to reinstate Forrest, who they said has been an asset to the high school in his 11 years as principal.

"Joe Forrest takes pride in his appearance, his job and this school system," the letter stated. "Obviously, you have listened to some strong cases against Joe's character or you would not have voted to replace him.

"Please allow us to voice what we consider a stronger case for Joe and why we think it is imperative that he continue to be principal at Charleston High School."

Board president Eddie Barnhill refused to call a meeting unless a board member who had abstained or voted against the principal requested it.

To date, no board members have requested that a special meeting be called.

Forrest said he is grateful for the support he has received, but he doesn't believe the board will reverse its decision.

"I'd be surprised if they changed their minds," he said.