Parents, students and volunteers urge support for Mount Clemens High after principal nonrenewal

Multiple residents used the public-comment period to urge action and support for Mount Clemens High School following a recent school-board decision.

Don Williams and Stephanie Petty, leaders of a newly formed Junior Optimist Club, said the school board voted 5–1 not to renew Principal Joe Gibson’s contract and described an April 24 student-led walkout that attracted news attention and reflected community concern. Petty said the club’s goal is to increase community engagement and student enrollment, citing the city’s population of roughly 16,000 and about 400 students currently enrolled at the high school.

Other residents praised volunteer-driven neighborhood work: Thomas Barnes thanked city staff and volunteers, including Jeff Wood and Barb Dempsey, for cleaning a neighborhood basketball court and restoring an alley that had been neglected, saying more than 70 volunteers participated in the cleanup.

Commissioners listened but took no formal action on school governance matters during the meeting; city staff and commission comments noted appreciation for volunteers and encouraged continued community involvement.

The meeting continued with routine business after public comment.