WATERFORD TOWNSHIP, Mich. (CBS DETROIT) – The Waterford School District hired former Oxford High School principal Steven Wolf, who worked at the school during the tragic 2021 mass shooting.
The school board made the final decision to hire Wolf as assistant superintendent during a special meeting on June 13. Several community members felt they didn’t have a chance to voice their concerns then, so they made sure to make their point on Thursday. public comment period tonight.
“Did you put the students first when you decided to hire this man who was so negligent in caring for the students he was sworn to protect?” said Waterford parent Keith Simpson.
“I’m a mother and I’m telling you that I don’t feel safe sending my kids to these schools every day right now,” said another parent, Nicole Navarro.
The parents said they would have urged the district to hire the person they say did not do enough to prevent the 2021 mass shooting at Oxford High School that left four students dead.
“I want to continue to be proud to work here. I want to continue to feel safe. I want to continue to represent the families that I have loved so much for so long. I don’t think this was the best decision for I just don’t think it was ” says Waterford teacher Heather Cipponeri.
The district said the June 13 meeting was properly posted and open to community members; However, some confusion may have arisen due to the meeting being rescheduled a week earlier. The board approved the hiring of Wolf along with five other staff members on a 4-3 vote.
‘It was an open meeting held here in the town hall. Anyone could have attended that meeting, and it was posted in advance so people knew to attend if they had any concerns about his hiring or anyone else’s at that time.” said district communications director Sarah Davis.
The district stands by its decision to make Wolf their new assistant superintendent for grades 6 through 12.
“We focused on the Guidepost report which said: ‘Mr Wolf was poised and brave that day and he acted with appropriate action.’
These words did not change the mood of the board, but it did allow these families to tell the board where their priorities lie, and that is the safety of their children. That’s something the board and community members can agree on.
