Student Show of Support Tonight for Teacher

A bunch of students tonight are expected to ask the School Board to reinstate a popular teacher who was placed on leave last month for an undisclosed reason.

Literature teacher Katharyn Wheeler-Smith has been on leave for about two weeks. The school superintendent, citing privacy rules, has to give a reason and said he's looking into the matter.

Students have said they will present a petition to the board urging that Wheeler-Smith come back to her job. They used a Facebook group named "Operation: Retrieve Wheeler" to organize the petition drive. More than 550 people have "liked" the Facebook page; close to 200 have agreed to sign the petition.

Jason Ihm, an Exeter High senior who organized the Facebook page, posted:

"I cannot express the importance of keeping momentum and positive energy to this process. And furthermore I can't express the appreciation I have for everyone that has worked for this cause. I'm sure Mrs. Wheeler-Smith greatly appreciates our efforts."

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. Exeter Patch has reached out to her but she has not replied.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE