Modesto Parents Rally To Save School Principal's Job

MODESTO (CBS13) - There is a push to save a beloved principal as Modesto parents turn out to keep him at their school.

The elementary school principal is out of a job at the end of the school year, and neither he nor the parents say they know why.

Concerned parents have written letters, passed out fliers, collected signatures, and plan on voicing their concerns at Monday's school board meeting.

"I think about my principal as being the greatest principal," said one student.

That's why parents and students at Franklin Elementary are having a tough time comprehending why the district is firing the beloved principal, who will be out of a job after his second year.

"I really appreciate their support. I've tried very hard. I'm an at-will employee and I've been told I'm not going to be back. That's what I know," Principal Michael Brady said.

Since the news was delivered at a parent-teacher club meeting a week ago, parents have drummed up support by collecting pages of signatures on a petition they're delivering to the school board.

"We are hoping they change their mind. We're not just fighting for a principal; we know he's the right choice for us," parent Angela Garcia said.

The Modesto city school board president won't elaborate on why Brady is being forced out.

"It's a personnel issue and we trust the superintendent's cabinet, and the decisions they made," Modesto School Board President Nancy Cline said. "I just know there are some changes they want to see at different sites."

Supporters say other principal will also be fired, but the school district would not confirm that.