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School Nurse Claims She Was Fired After Reporting Mold Save Email Print
Posted: 4:55 PM Jul 7, 2008
 Last Updated: 8:48 PM Jul 7, 2008
 Reporter: Bill Wilson
75 comments
A | A | A

A nurse who reported mold problems inside a Plymouth elementary school is no longer with the school system.

Superintendent Dr. Julius Walker confirms that Barbara Nellis was the school nurse who reported the problems to the state, and that she no longer is employed by Washington County.

Nellis tells WITN News that she was fired for reporting problems at Pines Elementary School.

In March Nellis secretly sent samples to a state lab which later tested positive for mold. Last year Pines was shut down for several days after students became sick.

Nellis says a hearing was scheduled for this morning on her dismissal. Afterward, Dr. Walker would only say the nurse was no longer employed with the school district.
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Posted by: Sally on Jul 13, 2008 at 10:05 AM
I hope this nurse continues to tell the truth and goes after all involved in the Cover-up!!! There are many state buidlings that are infested with MOld and they just close their eyes to the problem. Mold was growing on the ceiling, walls, and all in the ducts of the air conditioner. This is what was making thses children sick, Mold is very toxic and can kill. go to the website, www.moldwarriors.com and read some of the effects on learning abilities, memory problems, asthma, respiratory diseases, etc. We live in a humid environment here and mold grows very easily. So we have to combat it aggressively. Stop covering up the truth, if it tested positive for mold, then something has to be done to eracticate it and we all should breathe clean healty air.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 13, 2008 at 12:57 AM
i got to words for her STOP SNITCHING
Posted by: Coming out on Jul 12, 2008 at 12:07 AM
To Just''''Don't be a hater!!!If you are qualified,I am quite sure you can get work too. Would you take bread from your child and send it or give it to someone else and your child starve?
Posted by: lady on Jul 11, 2008 at 11:05 PM
To: Embarrassed,lady supports the Superintendant,Assistant Superintendant, BOE, Principals, and the School Nurses too, along with the rest of Washington County School Staff etc 400%. As long as they follow protocol. When they don't, they have to deal with the consquences.
Posted by: JUST'''' on Jul 11, 2008 at 10:34 PM
IT SADDENS ME TO KNOW THAT THIS NURSE WAS TRYING TO PROTECT OUR CHILDREN AND THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS. THE WHOLE BOARD NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AS WELL AS THE POSITIONS AT THE SCHOOLS BECAUSE EVERYONE IS RELATED TO EACH OTHER. IF I WERE RELATED TO SOMEONE ON THE BOARD OR THE DAUGHTER OF THE PRINCIPAL, I WOULD BE ABLE TO HAVE ANY POSITION I WANTED WITHIN THE SCHOOL SYSTEM. I AM GLAD THAT THIS HAS CAUGHT THE NEWS MEDIA BECAUSE I SEE ALOT OF STUFF THAT IS JUST SWEPT UNDER THE RUG WHICH BOTHERS ME DEARLY. MAYBE SOMEDAY THIS WILL COME TO AN END. I AM JUST TIRED OF ALL OF THIS MESS AND THE BURDEN I HAVE.

Editor's Note: Please type all posts in upper and lower cases

Posted by: Shocked!! on Jul 11, 2008 at 10:08 PM
It I believe this NURSE did the right thing, she was trying to protect the students & staff. I have a feeling, she had addressed this situation before & seemingly was told to not do anything. And being a good & caring Nurse, she bravely did what she knew was right! I cannot see how this can be called a racial issue! She was doing this for the entire schoolbody. We must stand up for what is right. I cannot concieve of what rule she could have broken. How could there be such a rule prohibiting testing for mold or other contaminants or any other thing that would harm the children & staff> NURSE I am proud of you. I totally support you!!
Posted by: Embarrassed on Jul 11, 2008 at 04:07 PM
To Lady: If you were educated in the Washington county school system, then your post is not exactly a ringing endorsement of their competence. Parents who pay taxes should expect and demand that their kids receive a quality education in an environment that is clean, safe and healthy. Anything less is a massive waste of our money and a huge disservice to the children. This nurse should be commended on the court house steps, rather than being fired because she did the right thing, which happened to embarrass the wrong people.
Posted by: Rosebud on Jul 11, 2008 at 03:32 PM
People...forget the white, black thing. She stood up for YOUR children. What are YOU going to do about it??????????
Posted by: Why? on Jul 11, 2008 at 02:10 PM
This is for coming out. Why does everything have to end up in a black and white issue? Why can't all races get along. We will be one in the end.
Posted by: T on Jul 10, 2008 at 07:20 PM
I know I would not risk children's health and my license that I'm sure she worked hard to get to play one of the good old boys and keep quiet. If I felt nothing was being done I would do whatever it took to protect the children that is why they hired her and whomever fired her "if" that was the reason for her removal from her job should be removed from office. I hope that the parents of this town will demand answers and accountability.
Posted by: COMING OUT on Jul 10, 2008 at 06:38 PM
Has Washington County ever had a white superintendant before and has the BOE ever been all white? Let me answer it for you YES., Were they stupid? Yes they were!! I agree with Lady Support-The Current BOE members, and principals are highly qualified to be our leaders and are not going any place, Remember the Good Book?, It says the LAST will be FIRST...Self Explanatory...
Posted by: Chris on Jul 10, 2008 at 12:57 PM
The superintendant was looking for a scape goat because he knows he is in over his head. I remember when he was being interviewed and how I thought it was a joke that someone with such poor communication skills as he does had a big job like that. However it is affirmative action at work. The school nurse did what she was obligated by law to do, ensure the health and safety of the children and faculty. This no different than if she thought a child was being abused, she has to report it. Wake up folks!
Posted by: Surprsed on Jul 10, 2008 at 12:51 PM
I have no problem with African-Americans. In fact, I am a black American. Let's be honest - most of us have ever even seen Africa so let's not claim a heritage that we don't own. I merely pointed out that these people keep getting reelected as a result of the predominately black electorate. It's no secret that most people will vote for a person of their own race regardless of qualifications, as a way to advance civil rights in this country. I support racial equality at every level, but only if the advancement of a cause does not, as a result, harm the education and well-being of our children and our community as a whole. I will concede that it is not just this county that has problems in this area, but this county has consistently done things to try to cover up facts that we know to be true. Everything from refusing transfers of high achieving students to raise the average scores, to the massive cover up relating to the "dance mess" at Roper Union where students were sexually assaulted.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 10, 2008 at 12:26 PM
looks like Dr. walker is trying to cover up something...its said that she was fired for doing to right thing, If my child was going to that school i think i would be looking at dr. walker and thanking the nurse
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 10, 2008 at 11:20 AM
to sue....the superintendant and assistant superintendant are not elected officials. if they were, those 2 men would already be replaced. at least dr hoggard won't be at pines this year!!!!!!
Posted by: lady on Jul 9, 2008 at 11:39 PM
To suprised & shocked from Creswell if you have a problem with African American and the BoE, they are highly educated people,parents & community leaders.They are just as Competent as the whites people that have serve on the BOE&Supt.Everybody has a choice to vote for who they want too. You need to get your facts straight not try to make it a racial things. Mrs. Nellis know that when you working on a job you have rules & requlation to follow. You just don't take matter in your hand. I don't know what happen, but i do know that you can't do wrong and get by.Because God sees everything. So what's done in the dark will be brought to the light. Then it must be dealt with..
Posted by: Lisa on Jul 9, 2008 at 09:25 PM
It is sad to be fired for doing the right thing..What kinda message is that sending to our children? Being a Nurse I'm sure she will be able to get a good if not better job then working for the School system..Hold your head high Ms. Nurse..
Posted by: Sue on Jul 9, 2008 at 08:59 PM
We need people to run for the BOE. There are two seats to be voted on in November. A change could start then. The BOE that are up there now are more concerned about their imagine and going to the beach for a retreat than our children. They don't have a clue what happens in the schools. The nurse was doing her job which is more than I can say for them. If we want a change we all need to do more than just talk.
Posted by: Jane on Jul 9, 2008 at 08:21 PM
I would like to thank the school nurse, first of all. Parents you send your children to school think this is a safe and clean enviroment for them. Then when someone trys to take care of this problem she is fired??? How do we know that she did not report this and it was put under the carpet. Personal I think we need more people in this world like this nurse. Thank you again for caring about the children.
Posted by: maddie on Jul 9, 2008 at 01:57 PM
To John.....Mr Walker does not like to look like a fool. He uses his power to make himself look good and respected. The nurse was 100% correct in her actions because she had gone to the administration, just as the parents did, and could not get action. I hope she gets a good lawyer because at least that way, our tax dollars would be spent wisely for a change!!!
Posted by: John on Jul 9, 2008 at 12:22 PM
first of all i think people are just assuming that the nurse lost her job only because she sent in samples of mold. i'm sure there is more to it than that. if any of you know, work with or for or have been taught by mr. walker you should know that no one cares more about the welfare of our children than he does. he has a tuff job making decisions that are in the best interest of our children's education and keeping all parents happy. ultimately someone is going to complain. mr. walker and the principal were concerned about the mold. they had other agencies come in and advise them reference the mold. don't be so quick to judge. some of you are just trying to take a shot at the mr. walker for your own personal reasons and could care less about the nurse losing her job. it is easy to complain about things not going well, how about offering some viable solutions to the problems you are complaining about.
Posted by: Surprised... but not shocked. on Jul 9, 2008 at 12:01 PM
This surprised me only because of the stupidity the BOE has shown in firing Mrs. Nellis so soon after all of the local media coverage of several problems in Wash.Co schools. Let's just say what it is, shall we? This county is predominately African-American and these incompetent and deceptive individuals keep getting reelected because of race and an unwillingness of qualified people to run because no one wants to work with this majority. Years of nepotism has bred nothing but laziness and an attitude of doing anything to protect their "positions", rather than protect the children and serve the community. There is no longer a sense of shared responsibility between the parents and schools. Instead, there is an Us against Them mentality. If the parents and community do not use this opportunity to make the long overdue and significant changes needed to your school system, then it will NEVER change. You'll never have a better landscape for change then you have now. Carpe Diem!
Posted by: SAD on Jul 9, 2008 at 09:02 AM
It is really sad when people get fired for doing the right thing. What is wrong with Washington County?
Posted by: Pines Parent on Jul 9, 2008 at 07:23 AM
To all of you with kids and grand kids in pines. Name a date and time to picket the BOE. This has situation must be addressed, publicly! Don't forget you can contact the state BOE as well.
Posted by: Showstopper on Jul 9, 2008 at 12:49 AM
This is for Mike in Edenton. If the mold problem had been handled properly and in a timely manner when it first came up, she wouldn't have to "secretly" do anything. My hats off to this teacher who made the decision to do the right thing regardless of the outcome. The health of children were at stake, and that you cant put a price on that. Just the fact that she had to secretly do this lets everyone know the amount of corruption going on in this school district. Honey, get yourself a good lawyer, you will need it.
Posted by: Raised in Washington County on Jul 8, 2008 at 10:59 PM
Please check out www.ncreportcard.com to compare all NC counties "scores" for our school system. The fact that Walker has been allowed to force Washington County to live in the suppressed dark ages needs to come to an end. The proof is in the scores. Do you realize that Washington County's school systems are a huge reason why some families who truly consider relocating here won't because they don't want their kids "tainted" by what our school system offers. It scares them from investing in Washington County. Can't blame them... We have some wonderfully talented, caring individuals in our school system but maybe the citizens of Washington County need to demand to "clean house" from the Superintendent, BOE, etc... Our kids deserve it, the dedicated teachers, school nurses, faithful custodians, parents, etc deserve it. We have a beautiful county w/ some great folks! Take a stand people. It will only continue to get worse unless you group together for positive change.
Posted by: Yes We Can! on Jul 8, 2008 at 09:26 PM
To the resident's of this county that pay Dr. Walker's salary. I say we meet at the Washington Co. School Central Office and demand answers as a group. Let's find out why exactly students are allowed to sexually assault other students, why teachers aren't reprimanded for bad behavior, why it takes more than a year to fix a mold problem, why our children are put on buses when it is WAY too foggy for it to be safe for them. Let's figure out why our test scores are some of the lowest in the state. It's time to come together people. Name a time!
Posted by: Cindy on Jul 8, 2008 at 09:23 PM
I appreciate anyone that will fight for the children. It seems as if the schools today do not think more of the children than just a job until retirement. Children need protection and it is sad for these events to end in a unnecessary firing. It is easier to blame others than be responsible superintendant. Don't worrk, there are more of these out here than you know. Take your fight to the school board and stand up for your children. That nurse should be in the schools if she is concerned for your children. I hope the media continues to show this kind of news and I hope the parents will begin to stand up for their children. They are our future!
Posted by: Grandma on Jul 8, 2008 at 07:49 PM
The Washington County Health Department is right next to Pines Elementary School..Do they have mold? Is it possible to get the results of the test that Ms Nellis sent off? One would think that a state lab would be legally obligated to report said findings to local authorities, not only school officials. Washington County Board of Education has alot to answer for once again. Please get them WITN!!!!! Our children need your protection!
Posted by: mom of 3 on Jul 8, 2008 at 07:40 PM
I want you all to think back to another recent issue that occurred in Washington County- May 2008. Remember the comments regarding the "dance" that occurred on the field of the middle school. That too was not addressed by the BOE and has been swept under the rug. I agree with "Rosebud"- when are we going to come together and make things happen in our (Wash Co.) school system. The same "family" has been employed in our system for 30-40 years and the downward spiral we are watching is a result of the poor administrative staff we have. Principals, asst. principals, BOE are out to ride around in suits in the free cars we provide for them. Have any of you ever checked to see what the salary of our principals, superintendent are? You really need to check it out- it will blow your mind!!!! Let us know when and where to meet- I think you will be surprised at the people who are eager to see changes made in the Wash Co school system.
Posted by: Obama 08 4 Prez! on Jul 8, 2008 at 06:21 PM
What I should have said was.....What is the cliche----No good deed goes unpunished! But mold could kill someone.
Posted by: Wendy on Jul 8, 2008 at 05:54 PM
My hat is off to this nurse.Great job done.I promise you ,you will be compensated for doing the right thing.The superintendent should be fired.Sounds to me the superintendent was trying to cover up something that was a hazard to the kids.I think he has some explaining to do ,but most likely he won't.Boy I would like to be on this case!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: anoymous on Jul 8, 2008 at 05:32 PM
This is typical for Washington Co. and surrouding counties. We have the buddy system in place-lots of family members, friends, working in same place and stick together No MATTER WHAT-hey that makes them be able to run the place like they own it-the governing boards of the schools and the health dept just sit there and let it all happen because it makes their job easier if they don't get involved. This is happening all around us-one person with authority hires all their buddies and family and hey we can do as we please. Check it out.
Posted by: Obama 08 4 Prez! on Jul 8, 2008 at 04:21 PM
what is the cliche...No good dead goes unpunished!
Posted by: parent of 2 boys on Jul 8, 2008 at 04:00 PM
It is horrible to think that someone could be fired for looking after the best interest of the children. It sure does look like someone was trying to cover up something here
Posted by: Heroes&Villains on Jul 8, 2008 at 03:47 PM
I agree with Former Teacher. Most of the lockdowns are NEVER reported to the paper or press, for fear of making a school look 'bad' It's high time every lockdown or incident be reported and then let parents choose to remove or keep their kids in these schools.
Posted by: "P" on Jul 8, 2008 at 03:12 PM
If she was dismissed for reporting this problem then the Superintendent should be fired because he is showing more concerns for the school system than the students who attend. By all means the safety of the students should be his first obligation. But the way it looks he is more concerned with the way he looks to the public than the safety of the children. And investigation into this should be made and maybe not only the nurse maybe without a job but also the Superintendent.
Posted by: Rosebud on Jul 8, 2008 at 02:50 PM
All you parents and concerned people on this page need to get together NOW. Pick a place to meet and DEMAND answers! Form in front of your local courthouse (in numbers) and DEMAND an explaination. Don' delay do it now. Don't let these people that are paid by the taxpayer...you...get by with this.
Posted by: Sharon on Jul 8, 2008 at 02:26 PM
She should get a good lawyer. I would much rather my tax money pay her for attempting to protect our children than to pay Mr. Walker for doing nothing. He should lose his job for more reasons than just this!!!!
Posted by: Yes We Can! on Jul 8, 2008 at 01:41 PM
Is there anyway possible for the residents of Washington County to overthrow the BOE? I think it's time for us to have people in those seats that care about our children. What would it take for this to happen?
Posted by: ZULU on Jul 8, 2008 at 01:29 PM
Who did this woman make angry? Sounds like someone took the opportunity to oust her because she wasn't "playing by his/her rules." Find this nurse Nellis a better position, she doesn't need to be content with that crowd she was dealing with!!!
Posted by: Joy on Jul 8, 2008 at 01:25 PM
Guess Washington County school officials are not that concerned about the health and well being of faculty and students. When we had mold in our Jr. High a local doctor called EPA and asked them to conduct an air quality test since he had been treating lots of faculty and students in our school for the same symptoms. EPA ran their test on a Friday after school was closed. They padlocked the doors immediately once they saw the readings. No one went in or out of the building until they were properly clothed. Everything that could transfer mold was disposed of. Desks and other equipment were cleaned with clorox. Our children never were allowed to enter that building again. Temp classrooms were set up to house the students. Our school officials went to work immediately to make sure that no one was exposed to this again. They did their job and put the well being of the staff and students first. Mold in children or adults can be deadly.
Posted by: Ann on Jul 8, 2008 at 11:50 AM
I think that the parents and teachers who support her need to picket or go on strike...anything to keep people who REALLY CARE in the schools and those who don't OUT!!!
Posted by: gail on Jul 8, 2008 at 10:47 AM
wake up people! this nurse was doing her job. that's more than the school board seemed to be doing! we should remember this when it's time to vote for the school board. maybe we should fire them!
Posted by: Pines Parent on Jul 8, 2008 at 10:31 AM
In response to Mike from Edenton; If it was a secret that she sent the samples out it was not a very good one because I as a parent knew about it before the tests were completed. The whole school knew about the mold in the classrooms and the BOE knew about the problems. WITN can you pull old footage of Walker to compare what he said last time and the time before that with what he says this time? I bet he would be caught in a big fib! I am really sick of this County's officials making up their own rules. if I were Mrs Nellis I would go to the big networks like CNN and the Today Show with this. Everyday you see more shows and news articles about how dangerous mold is and our children have to go to school to breathe it everyday! Is that what our tax dollars are paying for?
Posted by: Former Pines Parent on Jul 8, 2008 at 10:28 AM
My children are out of Pines now, however the mold was pointed out to princapals and even board members several years ago. Nothing has ever been done to resolve the issue then. You could walk into the classrooms and smell mold and mildew. I commend the school nurse for what she has done. At least one person cares for the children of Washington County.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 8, 2008 at 10:01 AM
Mike I think you are wrong. If she was told not to send in any samples then whoever told her that was wrong. It is her responsibility to care for the health of the children. Luckily she understood that was more important than an administrator trying to cover up something. Who is the higher authority? Another politician like Walker? She did the right thing.
Posted by: Mom of Four on Jul 8, 2008 at 09:11 AM
Like everything else in the "GOOD OL USA" our school system is going straight to "HELLO". POWER is a terrible thing and to think an honest woman loses her job for protecting our children, while yet one that mentally abuses one of our children is slapped on the wrist. I am confused! I thought the school system was there to help educate our children not destroy them.
Posted by: Anon on Jul 8, 2008 at 08:33 AM
Anyone thinking that moving to "Creswell Schools" will help a problem that is not the answer. Remember "Creswell Schools" is still part of the Washington County School System and is run by the same Board of Education.
Posted by: MO3 on Jul 8, 2008 at 07:49 AM
I have to say that I agree totally with Outraged in Plymouth on July 8 at 6:08AM
Posted by: concerned citizen on Jul 8, 2008 at 07:38 AM
If I have ever seen a case for a lawsuit this nurse has one. I don't believe in suing, but this woman being fired just because she was trying to protect the children, doesn't make sense. Go for it lady and while you are at it get everyone of the board members or whoever is involved fired while you are at it. Good luck.
Posted by: Matt on Jul 8, 2008 at 07:38 AM
A lawyer will take this case in a heartbeat. She may not be getting her job back- but she will get paid. Problem is- it will be our tax dollars footing the bill.. hows that fair?
Posted by: Anon on Jul 8, 2008 at 07:08 AM
Maybe this will help those of you who have been wanting to take your kids to Creswell Schools.
Posted by: Outraged on Jul 8, 2008 at 07:08 AM
A school nurse solves the ongoing mystery of what is making children sick and is fired, yet a teacher punishes a kindergarten child by closing her up in a bathroom for an extended period of time and remains on staff; what is going on at Pines Elementary and in the Washington County Schools? It is well past time for our county's leadership to say "enough" to the school system's lack of judgment and seemingly inability to make wise decisions where the children of this community are concerned. If her report to the state is the cause for her dismissal, Ms. Nellis should be reinstated immediately. As a health care professional it was her responsibility to check out every possibility when children were repeatedly getting sick at school. I'm afraid our problems go well beyond administration. When the Board of Education allows their chief administrator to continually fail to do the right thing, it is time for the people to respond with their votes! Maybe we should recall the entire Board.
Posted by: Mike on Jul 8, 2008 at 06:42 AM
The key word here is "secretly". Employees should be above ground with activity. If she was told NOT to send the samples to the lab for testing then she should have taken that order to a higher authority. She was rightfully terminated, not for the subject matter, but for the method.
Posted by: todd on Jul 8, 2008 at 05:22 AM
to the one who edited my post : why edit the name of the hospital I was talking about? witn is the station who ran the story in June 07 and helped get the convicted child molester ousted, which we appreciate and it was a valuable service to the community that you did but now you can't say the name? did they get to you also?
Posted by: School Mold Help on Jul 8, 2008 at 12:14 AM
This nurse was doing her job - protecting the health of the children, by investigating the mold at this school, and this type of treatment is shameful. For thousands of resources and articles on mold and health and mold in schools, visit The Center for School Mold Help at www.schoolmoldhelp.org. The parents could organize and protest any coverups. Any who can relocate their children to a safe, healthy, caring location may wish to do so, for the coming school year, as well!
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 8, 2008 at 12:07 AM
As a parent of a Pine's Elementary school, I felt very comfortable with Mrs.Nellis watching out for my child. I thank God for a nurse like her. My child has breathing problems,and has to take shots, she takes a total of 22 shots a month, for her allergies and asthma. If it had not been for Mrs. Nellis's good work her life would have been in great danger. I say get her back NOW! she cares for our children, it seems the system doesn't.
Posted by: A Concerned Parent on Jul 7, 2008 at 11:28 PM
I think that Pines needs a whole new crew, and the school board too! It is sad that they aren't concerned about the kids safety. I have a two year old and I don't think he will ever see pines if they don't do some changes!
Posted by: Yes We Can! on Jul 7, 2008 at 09:31 PM
I would love to know why my earlier post wasn't submitted. Please email me and let me know what it was that wasn't permissible. Editors comment: It did not fall within our guidlines
Posted by: todd on Jul 7, 2008 at 09:04 PM
Folks PLEASE write and speak out on behalf of this lady. Sounds like she got shafted for doing the right thing as often happens to state employees. I was nearly fired on a trumped up charge for asking the director of a hospital to get rid of a convicted child molester who oversaw young vulnerable female clients . Anyone in state government who points out wrong doing by high level administrators is " dealt with" and they keep on being as crooked a bayou backroad. Witn please don't let the super/ principal do this lady wrong, she was protecting children

edited to remove name of hospital.

Posted by: Former Teacher / Parent on Jul 7, 2008 at 08:21 PM
Did you know? Principals and Superintendents have the right remove any teachers or staff that don't "play along" with any school issues that the public needs to know about. If the administration don't like teacher/staff, then they can be removed or transfered at any time. The NCEA is powerless to stop them because the teachers/staff are reported to be bad for the school system's "learning" environment. This practice happens to be quite common. Think about it, does anyone ever hear a staff or teacher's side of any events that occur at school. Therefore, school systems are always covering up major issues that every parent has the right to know about and every Superintendent/principal is "fully" aware of the issues. Parents need to be more involved in the activities of their school system instead of being "surprised" by certain events.
Posted by: Pines Parent on Jul 7, 2008 at 07:40 PM
Just FYI for parents of kids at Pines, Hoggard is retiring according to the Beacon. And I think it's high time for Walker to move on also. Some one with a real interest in our childrens well being needs to step in. I do not understand why the state board of education allows this type of ...p to go on here but I have had enough. I am writing to our state representative, and to the Governor. Our children should be our first priority, and that is clearly not the case here. If we all take stand we may be able to protect our children and the staff of our schools. Visit the state's website and let them know your disapproval of the way things are done here.
Posted by: Joanna Cooper on Jul 7, 2008 at 07:39 PM
WHERE IS THE JUSTICE. WE ALL ARE BACKING MRS. NELLIS. NOT THE SCHOOL BOARD. SHE CARES FOR OUR KIDS.
Posted by: Yes We Can! on Jul 7, 2008 at 07:05 PM
WITN- would you please try to get Dr. Walker's side of the story. I would love to know what his reasoning is behind firing her.
Posted by: Jonathan on Jul 7, 2008 at 06:42 PM
WITN- You guys need to dig into this some more, I tend to agree she was given the raw deal here. There seems to be a cover up going on and needs to be exposed.
Posted by: Rosebud on Jul 7, 2008 at 06:24 PM
This is one reason people will not "get envolved". This is just one more example of our dirty, corrupt system. If this is the reason this woman lost her job, some heads need to roll. I hope the people of that community backs this woman 100%...good luck.
Posted by: amazed on Jul 7, 2008 at 06:02 PM
I can not believe that! She was doing her job and got fired... poor children...
Posted by: J. Sundeen on Jul 7, 2008 at 06:01 PM
I dont feel like Mrs. Nellis was treated fair. She was the only one to care for our kids, unlike the school superintendents. They knew there was mold in the school and just didnt want to report it, so our school nurse cared enough to take the samples and send it in for the safty of the kids, so she gets fired for it, I say fire J. Walker, and Mr. Hoggard. They dont care for the kids.
Posted by: Cactus on Jul 7, 2008 at 05:55 PM
Children first does not seem to be of any concern in Washington Co., the teacher should be commended, not fired.
Posted by: me on Jul 7, 2008 at 05:35 PM
just goes to show....the school board does not have the children's health and safety as it's priority.
Posted by: J on Jul 7, 2008 at 05:24 PM
Yep, things really starting to smell fishing in Washington Co.
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