 "Photo: Nathan Batoon")
Hostility arose between Stephen F. Austin High School parents and teachers over the possible removal of the school's principal, John Hudson, at an Austin Independent School District board meeting Monday.
Austin High School parents Anne Wynne, Rick Potter, Steve Saunders and George and Marcia Edwards requested the immediate removal of Hudson in a letter sent to the district Superintendent Pat Forgione, Jr. on Jan. 21, because of their lack of faith in Hudson's ability to run the school. According to the parents' letter, Hudson views extracurricular activities as an obstacle to academics, is not sympathetic to students' concerns and lacks adequate interpersonal skills.
Hudson said he has no response and does not want to give credibility to these complaints, because it takes time away from the important things he needs to be doing.
"My attendance at a football game doesn't change students' achievements in school," Hudson said.
He said he tried to attend as many extracurricular activities as his schedule allowed, by going to National Honor Society and Parent Teacher Student Association meetings, an occasional concert or play, and he said he tried to go to every home football game.
"There is recognition that Hudson advocates strong academics, but he isn't able to communicate effectively and his management style makes it impossible for him to be successful as principal," said Saunders, former Parent Teacher Student Association president and current adviser for the school's alumni association.
Hudson previously received grievances for his lack of interaction with students, inability to adjust to his former school's environment and overall dissatisfaction among the campus, according to the Hartford Courant, which serves the Hall High School neighborhood in West Hartford, Conn., where Hudson was principal less than two years ago.
Saunders said the student and teacher morale is at an all-time low at Austin High School, which was a similar complaint at Hudson's two previous jobs.
Hudson said the Connecticut newspapers that reported on his previous jobs did not address his side, and he refused to revisit the issue.
"They are separate issues," Hudson said. "People will make of it what they will, but I cannot control that and can only control what is here and now."
Some teachers' decisions to seek alternative employment stemmed from Hudson's performance as principal at Austin High.
"He had a tremendous influence on my decision to leave, and based on this gentleman's history, I have been advised by my attorney not to comment," said Michael Salum, former teacher and current laboratory director in Houston.
About 20 teachers have left the school since Hudson took over as principal, said Rick Potter, a booster club member and one of the parents launching complaints.
Hudson said he believes teachers have left to pursue advanced degrees, better teaching opportunities and pay increases - not because of anything he did.
"The vast majority of staff here are happy with the direction the school is going," Hudson said.
He said the high school focused on a professional development program all year, which addresses planning, increasing rigor in the classroom and providing an environment for teachers to work in groups to reflect on lesson plans.
"One of the major roles that I play is to try to help teachers reach their potential, to provide any support that's necessary so they can grow and perfect their craft," Hudson said. "I want to create an environment where kids have the ability to reach their potential, an environment where kids don't compete against one another but only compete with themselves."
Leyla Cohlmia, who has taught science for 31 years, said Hudson is supportive and provides the instructional information to help teachers be successful in the classroom. She said she calls the complaints against the principal "petty."
Hudson has heard the complaints from the parents but said he believes he is doing everything for the best interest of his students.
"Sometimes people who are privileged believe they should be able to determine how life goes for them and don't want to be subjected to anybody else's decision-making for them or their kids," Hudson said. "I think we have a situation like that, but I'm every kid's principal - not just for a group of people."
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