Ferguson Placed on Administrative Leave

Just thought I'd share the big news around here! We were called to an important meeting yesterday after school and were speculating that it was to discuss possible budget cuts. We were surprised to hear this news instead. It looks like they are going to finally step in and take steps necessary to get our school back on track!

By Kimberly Long, Ledger Staff Writer
The Mexico Ledger
Thu Jan 15, 2009, 12:21 PM CST

Mexico, Mo. -
Mexico High School Principal Chris Ferguson was placed on administrative leave Wednesday, and retired principal Melanie Richter, will be the interim principal, school officials told The Ledger.Mexico Public School District Assistant Superintendent Kevin Freeman made the announcement Wednesday afternoon. The reason for Ferguson's paid-leave, Freeman said, was a difference "in philosophies with regard to leadership, management and the direction at the high school building.""[We] felt it was best to move on at this time," Freeman told The Ledger.The Ledger called Ferguson for comment, and left a message, but he didn’t return the call.Ferguson started with the district during the 2007-2008 school year. Prior to MHS, he served as the activity director at St. Clair High School, and before that worked at Caruthersville High School in the same capacity. Freeman said that high school administration plans to tell the students about Ferguson's leave today.Richter brings many years of experience to the table, having served as principal at Eugene Field Elementary School for 20 years, and as director of student services – which primarily is responsible for the alternative school and pre-K – for the past two years.Richter will serve for the remainder of the school year.Replacement considerations, Freeman said, will begin in February – which is normally when the hiring of building administration is done. "We feel this is an appropriate time to discuss what we are doing for the 2009-2010 school year," he said.