Supporters continue fight for fired teacher

Months after the firing of Mission Valley Middle School science teacher Ryan Haraughty, his supporters continue to ask for his reinstatement and for explanations from Shawnee Mission officials.

Prior to the regular board of education meeting on Jan. 25, parents and students rallied outside Shawnee Mission East High School, 7500 Mission Road, Prairie Village, in support of Haraughty. They held up signs that read “Got Science?” and “BringBackRyanHaraughty.com.”

During the meeting, supporters again used open forum to push for the reinstatement and answers to their questions related to Haraughty’s termination.

On Nov. 9, the board of education voted to terminate Haraughty from his position at Mission Valley, 8500 Mission Road, Prairie Village.

The board cited “repeated use of sexual innuendo and sexual banter in the presence of students” and “creating and permitting a sexually hostile environment” as the reason for termination.

But supporters still hope for more explanation as to why he was fired, student Adam Lowe said.

“We just want communication...,” Lowe said. “I feel like I’ve been saying the same thing over and over again. But that is what we’re asking for.”

During the meeting, Board President Larry Winn III said the board will not “make any further response to statements or questions regarding the issue.”

“I believe I speak for the entire board in stating even after all the communication on this topic the board is still convinced that the termination of Mr. Haraughty was in the best interest of the district,” Winn said. “There are other issues to deal with in the district and the board has already said everything it has to say on this issue.”

The conversation may open up during an arbitration process that has been scheduled to begin on March 10 at McEachen Administrative Center, 7235 Antioch Road, Overland Park. A time has not been set, but proceedings will be open to the public, Shawnee Mission NEA President Sheryl Siegele said. The NEA is representing Haraughty during the proceedings.

“Legally it is out of our hands now,” said parent Julie Cook, whose daughter was in Haraughty’s class.

“I feel like they threw away one of their finest,” Cook said. “I don’t think he is perfect but he is talent worth fighting for.”

Students are learning from their seventh substitute science teacher since the firing, Cook said. Some students are attending tutoring sessions offered by Haraughty at a local library for help with science-related assignments, she said.

Supporters will continue to question the decision and the way it was handled, she said. Several supporters have created Web sites, one titled “SaveShawnee
MissionSchoolDistrict.org,” expressing distrust in leadership and support for Haraughty.

“If it had been handled differently, maybe we wouldn’t be in this situation,” Cook said.

Trackback(0)

TrackBack URI for this entry

Comments (0)

Write comment