Popular Decatur High School Clerk Reinstated After Firing

DECATUR, GA -- A popular clerk at Decatur High School was fired unexpectedly on Friday, then, in a surprise move, reinstated on Sunday while school officials review the decision.

Susan Riley, a media clerk who, in 2011, was named a Decatur “Hometown Hero,” was fired Friday, quickly igniting a backlash among current and former students and others in the DHS community.

“Thank you for joining us as we stand up for a woman who has given so much to this school system and community,” wrote Sarah Stubbs, a former student and organizer of a Monday-morning rally held across the street from the school, on the event’s Facebook page.

City Schools of Decatur has given no public reason for Riley’s termination, citing confidentiality on personnel matters. But, Sunday night, Superintendent David Dude released a statement saying he was having second thoughts.

“Over the last two days, some significant accusations have been raised regarding the validity of the investigation, and resulting information, that led to the termination of Mrs. Riley’s employment,” said Dude, who was named Decatur superintendent in November. “In fairness to all involved, I have suspended the termination and provided Mrs. Riley with paid leave while I bring a third party in to conduct a full and impartial review.

“Appropriate action will be taken based on the outcome of the review.”

Decatur’s school board also held an emergency session Sunday night believed to be in regard to Riley’s firing. It was held in private because it concerned a personnel matter.

In 2011, Riley was name a Decatur Hometown Hero for her work with students at Decatur High.

A page on the City of Decatur website dedicated to that award calls Riley ”a stand-in mother” for many students at the school.

“Students with no mothers of their own, students facing disciplinary problems, students unable to manage the stress of studies, in over their heads, or without a parent or friend to lean on go to Susan, who makes the media center at the high school – and especially her small office there – a haven where no one is judged, everyone is listened to, and all students are praised and encouraged,” the page reads.