By By Adam Prestridge
A group of citizens gathered early Tuesday morning in front of Escambia County High School in support of Principal Harvey Means.
More than a dozen members of the newly formed Concerned Citizens for a Better Education showed their support holding signs featuring various messages including “Enough is enough,” “Care about our kids not coaches,” “Why trade our children for a friendship coach,” “We are tired of the kangaroo system,” “Academics first for our children” and many more. Earlier this month, negotiations for a three-year contract for Means failed due to a lack of a motion by the Escambia County School Board, which prompted the protest.
Johnson and many more are upset by the way Means, who has been the administrator at ECHS for two years, has been treated. The group believes his dismissal was prompted by the recent head football coach search that has caused division among many residents in town.
That is exactly what the group of concerned citizens, many of whom have children and grandchildren attending the high school, want to know.
Means, who will remain at ECHS until May 31 when his two-year probationary contract expires, said he was flattered by the group’s support of his efforts.
The group said during their first day rallying that they are fed up with the constant turnover at the school, many stating that there have been nine principals in 12 years.
Earlier this month, Means’ recommendation to Superintendent Billy Hines for a teacher position at ECHS, which would also serve as the head football coach, also failed due to a lack of a motion.
As for future protests, the group said they would continue to gather in front of the school daily so their voices can be heard.