Cleveland Better With Penn

I understand there is a controversy regarding Cleveland’s Naval policy. Is that true?

I want to go on record that after living through Larry Myers last year and the horrible condition he left the school, Mr. Penn is a breath of fresh air. The staff and I are pleased with his no-nonsense attitude toward discipline, his commitment to the educational welfare of our students and his rededication to the Navy magnet concept. He eats lunch with the students, delineates administrative responsibilities, and has strengthened the staff development. I scheduled a TEAC meeting but we had to cancel it because there were no complaints. In other words, we like him – a lot. He displays both leadership character and good judgment. He is concerned that parental complaints may get in the way of his work, but I hope the school board backs him. He hasn’t changed anything – just enforces policies that have not been followed for years. For the students that are having difficulty adjusting, maybe Cleveland isn’t the place for them. I believe if Mr. Penn stays the course and has the support of the district administration and the school board, we have a good chance of instilling the educational and character-building mission embedded in its mission.

Sheryl Davenport