search
Donate

News

A high school student stands in a crowd with a yellow sign that reads KEEP OUR PRINCIPAL.
Students gathered outside Federal Hocking High School during class time to protest the potential loss of their principal. [Theo Peck-Suzuki | WOUB/Report for America]

Federal Hocking High School students leave class to protest the potential loss of their principal

By:
Posted on:

< < Back to

STEWART, Ohio (WOUB/Report for America) — Students gathered outside the front doors of Federal Hocking High School Tuesday morning after word spread that the district may not renew Principal Jake Amlin’s contract.

The protest took place for about half an hour during class time. A handful of supportive parents watched from the parking lot. Senior Adam McKnight spoke at length to the crowd, urging everyone to attend tonight’s board meeting and tell the board to keep Amlin on.

A high school student spreads his arms while talking to a crowd of peers outside a school building.
Adam McKnight encouraged students gathered outside Federal Hocking High School to attend the next school board meeting. [Theo Peck-Suzuki | WOUB/Report for America]
“We all think he should keep his job,” McKnight said. “He’s done amazing things for this school, he’s done amazing things for each and every one of us.”

Eventually, Amlin came outside and spoke with McKnight and the other students, informing them that school policy required issuing punishments to anyone who left class for too long. The protesters gradually returned inside.

A recommendation not to renew Amlin’s contract is listed on the agenda for tonight’s board meeting under “new business.” No other details are provided on the agenda.

Tensions at Fed Hock were already high before news of Amlin’s potential departure got out. In March, the board voted 3-2 to cut and merge seven teaching positions to stave off a looming budget shortfall. It is not clear whether Amlin’s dismissal is related to the district’s finances.

Many students at the protest said they believe Superintendent Jason Spencer is behind the proposal not to renew Amlin’s contract. Spencer did not return a request for comment before this article was published.

The board meeting will take place at 6 p.m. at Coolville Elementary.