ELMORE, Ohio — Frustrations were a common theme among Woodmore Local Schools community members at Thursday night's school board meeting.
The meeting's tension stemmed from a rumor confirmed during it: middle school principal Kevin Ball's contract will not be renewed.
"How much more does he have to give to not be subjected to poor, baseless accusations at the board's decisions?" one community member said at the meeting in the middle school gym.
School board members declined to speak on camera and did not explicitly share a reason why Ball's contract would not be renewed. However, a rebuttal letter from Ball addressed to district superintendent Mary Schaeffer and other board members states he was cited for a "lack of consistent student discipline that follows the board's approved progressive discipline model."
Ball was placed on paid administrative leave on May 10.
"I don't know what I'd do without him," said seventh-grade student Colton Squires.
Students, parents and community members packed the gym's stands voicing their displeasure because to them, Ball's impact on the district has gone above and beyond.
"He is a very kind soul, a very kind person, and just getting him to be my principal has been the best experience, even if it was only for this year," said fifth-grade student Aralyn Schwartz.
Aralyn was among the many who also disagreed with the board's decision.
"I was very upset and I knew they were making the wrong decision," Aralyn said. "I know it's their decision and have to respect it, because they have the power. I just know that I need to be respectful for my voice to be heard."
Colton said Ball has made an impact on his life in more ways than one.
"Mr. Ball has done so much for me," he said. "He has done 'Camp Wildcats' with me, chess club, walking club, mentoring and every time he would make sure I had a ride home, no matter what."
An attorney for Ball released the following statement:
Kevin Ball is disappointed in the Board’s actions last night but he will continue to let the facts dictate the truth about his performance and his impact on his community. He greatly appreciates the support he has received from the staff, parents and students. Their support is far more illustrative of Mr. Ball’s tenure as a school administrator.
The school board told WTOL 11 it would release a statement on the matter within 24 hours of the end of the meeting, which ended shortly after 7:30 p.m. on Thursday.