Students, Parents Protest Harrison School District 2

Parents, former teachers and students shouted out their frustrations in front of Sierra High School this morning.

They are blaming District School Superintendent Mike Miles with creating a lackluster school environment.

Protesters said Miles is too focused on test-taking and is too hard on teachers. They said he has created a hostile environment and pushed out teachers. In turn, they said students have felt the impact with numerous substitute teachers.

“They can’t learn when they have a substitute everyday,” said parent Diane Schurbon.

“In school, when you see a teacher has a substitute you now think their fired. Before you would’ve thought they were sick. Now you wonder if you’ll see them tomorrow or they’ll come back,” said Trey Fowler, student body president.

“Our teachers are being bullied so mush so they are leaving our district,” said Taraya Bland, parent.

A spokeswoman for the Harrison School District Number 2 said the protesters only represent a small minority of their district.

“The district hasn’t made any big changes in the last six years. We always focus on good curriculum, good instruction in the classroom, and have high expectations for students because we have to graduate them proficient in order to move on to college and the work force,” said Jennifer Sprague, Harrison School District Number 2.