Adam Grindstaff’s resignation as Vineland Elementary principal April 28 led to a firestorm of protest on his behalf from an angry crowd of about 250 at a special meeting Monday of the De Soto Board of Education.
Nevertheless, the board unanimously voted to accept Grindstaff’s resignation during a closed session that night following the open part of the meeting, reported his attorney, Mike Lowry.
“They voted 7-0 to accept his resignation,” Lowry said Tuesday afternoon, shortly after Grindstaff was notified.
“It certainly appears they didn’t entertain our offer (for Grindstaff to be reinstated) or any (pleas) from members of the district.”
Lowry said he would talk to Grindstaff about how he wishes to proceed.
“(Litigation) is an absolute possibility,” Lowry said. “We’re going to weigh any options.”
The board allowed 30 minutes of public comment at the late-afternoon meeting at the De Soto Junior High cafeteria before going into closed session to discuss the situation.
On Saturday, Superintendent Josh Isaacson issued a press release saying in part, “Recently, the district conducted a thorough investigation into allegations regarding Mr. Grindstaff and the use of district monies. Although the district cannot provide specific details out of respect for employee privacy, Mr. Grindstaff was offered his statutory right to a public hearing to challenge the results of the investigation. Instead, Mr. Grindstaff elected to resign from his position as of April 28, 2017.”
Vineland Elementary houses about 820 students in grades kindergarten through sixth. Grindstaff came to work at the district as Vineland principal in the 2003-2004 school year. His 2016-2017 school year salary was $103,249.
Prior to residents’ comments, board president Jeff Russell said, “Contrary to what some might feel, the proceedings tonight have nothing to do with politics.” The comment drew laughter and jeers from the crowd.
Grindstaff did not attend the meeting, although Lowry was and said he was there to represent Grindstaff. Lowry signed up to speak, but Russell told him the legal advice the board had received was to not allow an attorney to speak at the meeting on Grindstaff’s behalf. Lowry responded that he also is a district resident, but Russell said he still would not be allowed to speak.
Crowd members chanted, “Let him speak,” to no avail.
Lowry objected Tuesday to the board’s decision.
“I was denied (the opportunity to speak), which I think was troubling given that I met all the qualifications to speak to the board as a resident and a taxpayer of the district,” Lowry said.
Before and during the regular session, Grindstaff supporters spoke – sometimes emotionally – of their admiration for him as a caring educator. They dismissed the allegations against Grindstaff by saying any purchases he made using district funds were for the benefit of students and they felt he conducted himself as other district administrators do in making purchases on behalf of the district.
Michelle Martin, mother of five, spoke in support of Grindstaff at the meeting.
In an interview later, she said Grindstaff made a difference for her special-needs child.
“We’re here because of his love for the children at Vineland and his dedication,” she said. “Even the offenses they’re charging him with were for special-needs children of the school. They even sent a letter home to parents telling them not to talk to their children about this because they’re too young.
“He stood up for special-needs children. I have one myself who wouldn’t have graduated without the love and support of Mr. Grindstaff.”
Another speaker, Christina Kennedy, drew a standing ovation from the crowd with an impassioned speech in support of Grindstaff. She said three of her children have gone through Vineland and one with ADD (attention deficit disorder) particularly benefited from having Grindstaff as his principal. She said her son flourished at Vineland as he had never before at other schools in other districts.
“My son was a different child (under Grindstaff’s care),” she said. “I can’t put into words everything Mr. Grindstaff did for my child.”
Before the start of the meeting parent Chastidy Krodinger said the large turnout reflected the wide-ranging admiration in the community for Grindstaff.
“I think all of us or most of us are here to support Mr. Grindstaff,” she said. “He is a positive influence in our community and an awesome example for his students.”
Kylie Womble, mother of three district students, said she felt compelled to attend because she felt Grindstaff goes above and beyond what a typical administrator does for youngsters.
“I would say I’m here because he really acted as a school principal for our kids,” she said.
Her husband, Brian Womble, questioned the timing of the actions against Grindstaff so late in the school year.
“I’m here because I don’t know specifically why this happened and why it couldn’t have waited (until after the school year ended),” Brian Womble said.
Lowry said the community’s opinion of Grindstaff was obvious at the meeting.
“Look at the tremendous outpouring of support from parents and students,” he said. “There were some touching stories about the care, compassion and love he shows them and the success that has brought.”
Lowry said Grindstaff should keep his job.
“We’d like to see Adam Grindstaff reinstated and we let (the school board’s) counsel know that that was our only offer.”
On Tuesday morning Isaacson said district officials were making decisions with the welfare of students in mind.
“On behalf of the administration and the board in regard to the situation, we appreciate the public interest,” he said.