LANSING, Mich. — Grand Ledge Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Brian Metcalf heard his charges from its Board of Education during a hearing held Monday, and was given a chance to respond to those charges in a public setting. The board’s unanimous decision at the conclusion of the hearing was to officially terminate his contract.
Metcalf was the Superintendent of Grand Ledge Public Schools but had been placed on leave since June. David Chapin has served as the interim Superintendent in Metcalf’s absence.
Metcalf was put on leave after comments that he made on his personal Facebook page about the death of George Floyd. Metcalf wrote, “...it all starts with being a law abiding citizen - had he not paid with counterfeit money, had he not resisted, had he not been under the influence -- then there would be no contact with officers; that does not excuse the officer; it just eliminates the conflict to begin with!! It starts with being a good citizen!”
Members of the Grand Ledge Public Schools community said they were outraged that Metcalf’s post blamed Floyd for his own death.
Although Metcalf himself did not speak at the hearing his attorney, Eric Delaporte, did make arguments on his behalf.
“From day one this board of education has attempted to throw Dr Metcalf under the bus," Delaporte said. "To blame him for issues that are greater than the Grand Ledge Public Schools. That are national issues. Dr. Metcalf on his own time attempted to make a statement that would be helpful to anybody who found themselves in a situation where they could be in conflict with the police. He did it for the right reasons and I’m very disappointed that this board, after having disciplined him, reneged on their agreement.”
A lawsuit has been filed in Eaton County Circuit by Metcalf against Grand Ledge Public Schools. The suit was filed on Sept. 10 and lists nine defendants, including Grand Ledge Public Schools and the Grand Ledge Board of Education.
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