Suspended Teacher's Fate to be Decided Soon

An teacher suspended more than a month ago could have her fate determined this week.

Popular English teacher Katharyn Wheeler-Smith was placed on leave for an undisclosed reason.

Superintendent Michael Morgan said after a School Board Tuesday night that a decision on if she will return to her job could be reached by Friday.

Morgan placed Wheeler-Smith on leave and has declined to say why, citing employee privacy rules.

Wheeler-Smith, known as a tough but competent teacher, has drawn support from hundreds of current and former students. Last month, some of them to the School Board pleading for her return. It was signed by more than 200 people. A Facebook group named  "Operation: Retrieve Wheeler" was created to organize the petition drive. More than 600 people have "liked" the Facebook group.

Wheeler-Smith has taught in the school district for more than 20 years. Recent efforts to reach her have been unsuccessful.

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