Facebook Group Backing Teacher Draws 550+

A popular teacher recently placed on leave for an undisclosed reason has received support on a student-run Facebook group.

The group has drawn more than 550 "likes" from students, alumni, and even parents who want answers after literature teacher Katharyn Wheeler-Smith was put on leave. The school superintendent, citing privacy rules, has to give a reason and said he's looking into the matter.

Students are using the group, named "Operation: Retrieve Wheeler" to promote a petition supporting the teacher that they plan to give to the School Board at its next meeting Tuesday.

"We are protesting the sudden and unexplained removal of our teacher," the petition reads. "We believe Wheeler-Smith has been an inspirational educator who changed lives and is an irreplaceable member of the (Exeter High School) faculty."

Students have posted the e-mail addresses and phone numbers of the superintendent, principal, and School Board members on the Facebook group page, urging others to voice their support.

Wheeler-Smith has taught in the school district for more than 20 years.

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