Group collects signatures for Ellis

The group gathered Sunday at the pavilion at Capaha Park said they came because they refuse to give up on the man who didn't give up on their sons and daughters.

A steady stream of children and parents took time today to show support for fired Cape Girardeau Central Middle School principal Frank Ellis.

"He doesn't give up on children. It doesn't matter what kind of trouble these children get into, he teaches them what's wrong and what's right. He helps them keep their spirits up and shows them no one is just going to throw you out," said organizer Mary Jackson, who is a parent of two current middle school students and one former student.

As of 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Jackson said she had collected more than 70 adult signatures on the petition asking school board members to reconsider the firing of Ellis and assistant principal Debbie Followell.

The group has collected more than 600 adult signatures since the announcement of Ellis' firing April 10, Jackson said. The signatures will be presented at the upcoming Board of Education meeting.

Ellis stopped by the event to thank supporters, but was reluctant to speak about his situation.

Asked if he would fight for his job, he said simply: "No."

Asked why not, his only response was: "I can't answer that."

But Ellis opened up when asked about his philosophy in dealing with children.

"Kids need to know you care about them. That's the main thing. That's not just my philosophy, that's me. I care about everything that I do working with the kids, working with the parents. My heart is into whatever I do. That's the only way to fly," he said.

tgreaney@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 245