Windsor Reinstated After Suspension

On Wednesday, October 18, 2023 Monroe-Ralls were notified by a parent of the administrative leave suspension of the Mark Twain High School Principal, Deacon Windsor after a disagreement with him and Deputy Walotka.

There was a car accident after school involving a Mark Twain High Schooler on September 28, 2023 at 3:48pm. Mr. Windsor responded to the accident to be there for her. SRO Deputy Walotka, the school resource officer, did not go to the accident and disagreed with Mr. Windsor's request to accompany him.

On October 12, 2023 during a Board of Education Meeting, Kathleen Barnett motioned to place Deacon Windsor on paid administrative leave for a formal complaint of harassment while the Board seeked legal counsel, effective immediately, seconded by Scott Hodges. Roll call vote: Hilgenbrinck- yes, Hodges-yes, Moss- yes, Barnett-yes, Boling-yes, Liter-yes, Palmer-yes, motion passed 7-0.

On October 18, the teachers, staff, and students wanted to support Mr. Windsor being reinstated. They wore black for a blackout day! On October 19, the students, teachers, and parents wore blue and planned a walkout at 11:55 a.m. to support his reinstation. The grandstands were full of blue and signs wanting Mr. Windsor back. This subject was all over social media.

Ralls County Sheriff, Brad Stinson, made a statement on Facebook and to wrap that up, Deputy Walotka followed the policies and procedures as it pertains to leaving the school and was to stay on campus until his time was done. There were plenty of emergency personnel on the scene.

Mr. Windsor loves his students as if they were his own kids. As a past coach, teacher, principal, and superintendent of several local schools; parents praised him for his actions.

There was a special school board meeting on October 19 in a closed session. Outside in the parking lot were parents and students anxiously awaiting their decision. The Board of Education voted to reinstate Mr. Windsor on Tuesday, October 24, 2023.

Photos submitted