Sargent shows support of Principal Grint
SARGENT - The aftermath of the sudden non-renewal of contract for Sargent Principal Cory Grint in February brought a crowd to the March 14 Sargent school board meeting. According to the official minutes of the meeting, “roughly 119 guests were in attendance to show support and to get some answers on why Mr. Grint was let go, and to stay informed.”
Teacher LuAnn Schauda wrote a letter which was read by Kristin Slagle in Schauda’s absence. Also according to the minutes, the following individuals also took turns being heard on why the decision was made: Cory Beran, Kooper Keefe, Melissa Slagle, Ashley Slagle, Jody Delaney, Jan Osborn, Micky Schneider and Curt Sillivan.
Teacher Jan Osborn told the Chief, “I don’t remember anyone saying anything negative about him (Grint) the whole night.” She said her comments were how the staff is like a family and what happens to one, happens to all. She added, “We have a wonderful staff that works well together and wants what is best for our students. Mr. Grint was our leader that kept us on that track.”
At the conclusion of the meeting, Grint gave his own remarks. Contacted later by the Chief, he said, “The biggest thing is that I have appreciated my time here and the people here. I don’t like the way things ended up.”
He is talking to counsel about possible legal action as he is not convinced that everything done was legally. “There was very little discussion about it (the non-renewal),” he said.
As for reasons for his non-renewal, Grint reported that one school
board member called him “unprofessional” and another cited the fact that students are opting out of the Sargent school district. Grint said 22 students have opted out and 13 have opted in. “We always have some students opting out,” he said.
He has accepted the position of principal with Ansley Public Schools for the 2023-2024 school year.
As for Sargent students and parents who have said they want to go or will send their children to Ansley, he said, “I’ve encouraged families to stay. We’ve got to have a good enrollment school here (at Sargent) and maintain a good school.”
Grint said it was
“very gratifying” to see so many people turn out in support of him and added, “But I’ve said from the beginning, this is not about me. It’s about the school and the students.” He said the only words that came to mind to describe the February decision was “improperly made,” and said, “They (the school board) are making decisions without being well-informed.”
He said he is looking forward to being at Ansley Public Schools and working with Kim Jonas, former North Park Elementary Principal, who has been hired at the Ansley Superintendent.
Minutes of the Feb. 9 Sargent School board meeting read, “Motion by Pointer and seconded by Moody to not approve the principal’s contract for the 2023-2024 school year.
Roll Call: Pointer, Moody, Kipp, Riddle - Aye. Horky, Stefka - No.”
Members of the Sargent School Board are Rolland Stefka, Martin Riddle, Loyd Pointer, Laura Kipp, Chandra Horky and Tammera Moody.
This was Grint’s 17th year at Sargent and his 30th year in education.
The Custer County Chief reached out to Martin Riddle, president of the Sargent School Board, but did not hear back by deadline.