I have no problem with Superintendent Cheryl Atkinson getting rid of so-called graduation coaches.  This was one of the most asinine positions ever created.

It served no purpose, helped no one, and was a big waste of taxpayers’ money. All they did was walk around as if they were some type of important administrator, stay in their office, take long lunches, and overburden teachers with unnecessary paperwork. Good riddance!

I am, however, concerned about the assistant principals that might lose their jobs. They are the backbones of our schools.

They are the ones teachers go to if a problem arises because they are always available. If anyone should be replaced, it should be some of their principals.

The assistant principals are the ones who really run the schools. You can go into any elementary, middle, or high school – you will always see the assistant principal. They will be in the hallways, cafeteria and front office, while the principal is in his/her office working on their dissertation during school time.

The assistant principals are the ones in the trenches keeping your children safe and keeping order in the schools. If the assistant principals lose their job, your children’s health and well-being will be at risk, because for the first time some of the so-called principals will have to earn their pay. Some are so used to delegating authority that the job of a principal has become only a figurehead.

Superintendent Atkinson, instead of getting rid of the assistant principals, you should really consider replacing some of your “needs improvement” principals with assistant principals. This is the best way to demonstrate fiscal responsibility and maintain integrity in our schools.

Arnold Butler Sr. blogs on www.crossroadsnews.com.