ORANGE : Principals Who May Lose Jobs Backed

Hundreds of teachers and parents packed the Orange Unified School District board room last Thursday night to support three veteran principals who have been notified that they may be demoted or dismissed.

The angry crowd of more than 200 wore pinned-on signs expressing loyalty to Eddie Salgado of La Veta Elementary, Ewell Gunter of Palmyra Elementary and Gerald Uffelman of Richland Continuation High School.

School board trustees voted Feb. 27 in closed session to notify the three principals that they may be “released from their current positions at the conclusion of the 1991-92 school year,” according to a statement read by Board President Barry Resnick.

The administrators have each been with the district more than 20 years. Salgado is a 25-year employee of the district, Gunter was hired in 1965 and Uffelman started with the district in 1968.

The trustees decision does not mean the men will definitely be fired or reassigned to teaching positions but, according to state education code, the employees must be notified of a possible change in their status by March 1. A final decision must be made by June 30.

Fifteen speakers praised the men as able, innovative leaders who care about children.

Raymond Williams, a former Orange Unified teacher and principal, received a standing ovation as he summarized the feelings of the crowd.

“We all understand that administrators serve at the will of the board,” Williams said, “but please don’t make it at the whim and and fancy of the board.”