Tolbert out as Crabbe Elementary principal
Apr. 25—ASHLAND — An elementary school principal in Ashland will be out of his administrative position after six years, sparking parents to take their message of support to the school.
In a letter accessible to families on April 23, Uriah A. Tolbert announced his time as principal at Crabbe Elementary will come to an end, effective June 30.
Ashland Superintendent Sean Howard confirmed the impending change in leadership at Crabbe. Howard notified Tolbert on Friday, April 19.
"This was a superintendent decision," Howard said. "Technically, it's a demotion transferred to a regular classroom setting. He's guaranteed a position as a classroom teacher in the district (going forward). If anything other than that changes, it would be his decision."
Ashland's superintendent since 2016, Howard hired Tolbert as Crabbe's leader in 2018.
Howard said Tolbert met with his faculty on Monday to inform them of the situation.
The position vacancy has been posted on the Ashland Independent Schools website.
Since the drafting of the letter, parents showed up at the school with signs Thursday and a petition was started (on Wednesday)) to reinstate Tolbert as principal.
"It is with a heavy heart that I share this news: I will not continue my career as principal. ... Circumstances beyond my control have led to this decision and I believe it is in the best interests of our school community," he said in the letter.
"I understand that this news may come as a shock to some of you, and I want to reassure you that I am and will continue to be fully committed to ensuring a smooth transition."
A few parents gathered outside the school Thursday afternoon with signs in support of Tolbert. They were collecting signatures and spreading the word of Tolbert's departure from the elementary school.
Feelings that resonated with many parents were shock and disbelief. One mother was hurt by the decision and said she could not believe it considering her son "absolutely loves" Tolbert.
"Nobody has stood up for the kids like him," the mother said.
As parents made their way to the pick-up line Thursday in front of the school, they were met with signs and papers detailing a petition on change.org to reinstate Tolbert as principal.
Another woman outside was telling others "he (Tolbert) is going to know how loved he is, even if this does not work."
As of Thursday at press time, the petition had garnered nearly 700 signatures.
Josh Taylor, a Crabbe parent, launched the petition. He said Tolbert is "kids-first" and that "some of the testimonies (people had written in support of the principal) are gut-wrenching."
Multiple school bus drivers honked and threw thumbs up in support of the signs waved by parents as they made their way on the school property.
The Daily Independent was unsuccessful in reaching Tolbert as of press time Thursday.
(606) 326-2657 — ajohnson@dailyindependent.com
