GROSSE POINTE, Mich. – They came to the Grosse Pointe School board meeting singing the same tune. Parents, past and present students, speaking out in support of Grosse Pointe South High Choir Director, Ellen Bowen.
"It would be a mistake to fire her," said Emma, who is a student.
Earlier this month, a 16-year-old student accused the accomplished instructor of hitting him on the head with his cell phone after she caught him using the device. A report was filed with police and Bowen was suspended with pay. According to authorities, when the teen's parents decided against going after charges, the case was dropped. However, Bowen's future in the district is still unclear.
"Students are safe, nurtured and loved. Now all Ellen wants to do is teach our children," said parent, Patricia Chylinski.
A student named Grace went on to said, "Getting rid of Ellen would be a huge mistake. Do you see all of these people here today, we're here because of Ellen and none of us want to see her fired."
District leaders met with a lawyer behind closed doors about their options. The board did not make any decisions concerning Mrs. Bowen.
"I think our students are really passionate about Mrs. Bowen. We've received emails, some pro, some anti so we take that into consideration also," said board president, Judy Gafa.
If the board believes Bowen should be let go, the state tenure commission will ultimately determine the choir director's fate in the district.
This isn't Bowen's first suspension. A few years ago, the district suspended her without pay after she was charged in a road rage incident.