Garner-Hayfield Teacher Challenges Job Cut

GARNER, IA--A North Iowa teacher makes a valiant attempt to save his job.

On Monday night Kent Mick and about 75 supporters left little doubt he should be spared from the Garner-Hayfield School District's budget ax

As one of a number of students put it, "It's the way you can talk to him about anything."

"Mister Mick cares about his students and their education," said another student as she and others spoke in front of school board members during Mick's termination hearing.

Words of support also came from parents like the one who said, "He has a wide variety of knowledge."

Fellow educators also stood up for Mick. A Teacher called him a "strong leader and a strong mentor."

Their goal was to avoid watching mick become a casualty of the Garner-Hayfield district's desire to trim its bulging budget.

The board already has pared more than $300,000 from its budget.

A lagging economy, dropping student numbers and rising costs are prompting the district to let four instructors go, Mick is the only one who is not probationary.

His teaching career spans at least 20 years.
Mick has spent the past 5 years teaching social studies, along with coaching volleyball and track in Garner.

Kent said, "Cost is measured by not having teachers for your children."

Sadly these types of things are happening in schools across the state of Iowa," said Tyler Williams, the Garner-Hayfield Superintendent

With a simple vote, the Garner-Hayfield school district decided their educational and financial future does not include Mick.

Despite the decision and the negative affect it will have on her own college studies, Mick's wife made sure supporters know just how grateful they are.

Trisca Mick said, " we cannot express what the people in this room coming tonight means to our family”