Aug 14, 2008 11:06 am US/Eastern
Mixed Feelings Surround Principal's Resignation
GLOUCESTER (WBZ) ―
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Former Gloucester High School Principal Joseph Sullivan
WBZ
The man who sparked a firestorm with his comments about the teen pregnancy problem in Gloucester has resigned. Gloucester High School Principal Joseph Sullivan is stepping down -- citing criticism from the mayor and a lack of support from the superintendent.
Sullivan originally made comments to Time Magazine about the pregnancy pact. He later said he didn't recall using the word "pact."
Seventeen girls in the high school got pregnant last year, which is four times the usual number.
"No matter how strict he is, or how intense he is, he loves all these kids and I think they're going to feel horrible about it," said student Pam Tobey.
Horrible that Sullivan abruptly resigned, leaving a void in the front office, in the wake of a frenzy over what he had called a pregnancy pact among some students at Gloucester High School. "I find it hard to believe he is now the scapegoat," said Chemistry teacher Carol Cafasso.
Gloucester Mayor Caroline Kirk was not answering questions at Wednesday night's school committee meeting, but there was regret among board members. "Mistakes were made at all levels and there's no place to finger point," said one member.
There were harsh words from the principal in a statement – holding the mayor responsible for publicly slandering his reputation and feeling a lack of support from the school committee.
And it was too little, too late for some members Wednesday night. "Dr. Sullivan was just what the high school needed for discipline and running the show and keeping everything running," said school committee member Amy Healey.
And now school starts in a matter of weeks at Gloucester High School, but many are still feeling the pain of the turmoil that began last spring
The Gloucester superintendent said it could be some time before they post the principal's job because applicants would want to be reassured the turmoil has finally died down.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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