On Friday morning, in an effort to listen to, and carefully consider, any reasons that might have prevented the student from riding the bus to graduation rehearsal, district administrators and the high school principal met with the student and members of her family. While the family stated they had a family emergency, they elected to keep those details private and chose not to provide further information that would justify an exception to the student handbook policy.
Dr. Todd Edwards, principal of Bryant High School, leads the high school staff, students, and parents with honor and integrity. He is loved and respected by his students, staff and the community he serves. He appropriately followed the student handbook and made the correct decision regarding this matter. Following the meeting this morning, Bryant Public Schools Administration was prepared to support that decision.
However, this afternoon, due to an apparent miscommunication, the decision was made to allow the student to participate in the graduation ceremony. The student has been, and remains, a member of the Hornet Family. We wish her the best in the future.
Bryant Public School administrators will always base their decisions on the law, policy, handbooks, and what is best for students. The requirement that students must ride the bus to graduation practice in order to walk at graduation will remain.
No decisions will ever be made based upon social media activity and threats. The personal attacks and threats levied against Dr. Edwards and other Bryant staff members have been irresponsible and reprehensible. Some of the more serious attacks have been referred to law enforcement.
Bryant School District Administration strives to have positive and productive relationships with students and their families. We encourage students and parents to reach out directly to administrators to resolve any issues.