Superintendent Richard Responds - Perry High School Incident

After a Perry High school teacher in Massillon, Ohio, handed out political activist applications sponsored by the Democratic Party, critics decried the action not only as improper, but also accused the school of socialist indoctrination. According to news reports, Perry superintendent John Richard has received hate mail and suffered calls for his resignation. According to news reports, Superintendent Richard sent home an explanation to parents and considered the matter closed.

I wrote to Superintendent Richard and asked him to respond to three questions, which he has kindly done. I told him I would publish the responses on my blog. Here they are:

1. Was the handing out of the political material in anyway sanctioned by the district, understanding that handing them out violated district policy on distribution of political materials to students?

No, it was not approved.

2. Was the teacher in question disciplined in any way (e.g., reprimand, suspension etc) and if not, why not, since district policy was violated?

There was discipline involved.

3. What steps are being taken to prevent a recurrence?

I reminded all staff of our policy, and our building principals will do the same.

I respect Superintendent Richard's decision not to disclose the precise discipline, as it is probably best kept as an internal personnel matter. Still it is good to learn that the district did not merely look the other way when its policy was violated.

My thanks to Superintendent Richard for his responsiveness. I hope that all who read his responses will be satisfied that responsive action was taken.