The Warren Sun

Eastpointe Community High School Principal Asenath Jones told the district's school board at its May 8 meeting that she is unhappy with the board's decision against renewing her contract for the next school year.

"I do believe that I have not been given due process," she told the board. 

Jones is a 26-year veteran educator.  The 2022-2023 school year was her first year as the principal's high school. She is its fifth principal in as many years. 

The board voted against renewing Jones' contract on March 30.  She received two notices saying the decision not to renew her was unanimous. 

Per school code, Jones said, she is allowed to have a hearing in front of the board. "I did ask that I not have a closed hearing in front of the board and instead I chose to come to you today," she stated.

Jones said she hadn't received any notice that her work or behavior was less than satisfactory or grounds for non-renewal. She spoke about her steadfast commitment to the school, teachers, and students. 

“What I did do is ask a lot of questions," Jones said during the meeting. "I did step up to participate in my union. I did meet with my colleagues and we discussed methods that were happening to us, such as inequitable activities, abusive language, hostile work environments, all things that we presented to central office with only one ask, and that was to have equity training. That equity training still has not happened.” 

Students walked out of class May 10 to protest Jones's dismissal. The Macomb Daily reported that more than 100 students stood in the parking lot, shouting “Keep Ms. Jones” and several more joined in through open windows of the school building. Students told the local news outlet they appreciated Jones and felt she was a huge supporter of their academic success and emotional and mental well-being.

Jones did not ask the board to change its decision but did ask that negative comments in her dismissal notice be removed. 

“I wish my staff to know that I do not want to leave you. Although I feel like I'm forced to leave you. I think that leaving someone requires a lot of effort," she said. "Our children deserve better than a revolving rotating door as soon as they get established. They need and desire more than that.” 

The board did not make any comments or responses to Jones during the meeting.  The Macomb Daily said Jones was escorted from the school campus on May 10 and was placed on administrative leave until July 31, the final day of her contract.