"Will the BOT and HEADMASTER ignore the pain felt with the loss of Dr. Jenkins and Mrs. Jenkins?" (1/16/04) St. Johns School. Library. 7PM. The PTA held their first meeting since the holiday break and President of the PTA Joey Lopez had a full agenda. But many in attendance of a 'packed house' cared very little regarding any of the agendas listed on the PTA outline, other than that of Dr. Dale Jenkins. To many of the seniors and parents delight, Dr. Dale Jenkins made a guest appearance. The seniors welcomed back their former principal with beautiful flower lay. The library was quite warm as it was not accustomed to having so many people in it, but also because the library's air conditioner was strangely not working. After what seemed like an eternity, Mr. Lopez asked Jorge Nelson (Headmaster) to address those in attendance the issues surrounding Dr. Jenkins sudden "retirement". Jorge spoke eloquently on the sadness of Dr. Jenkins absence, and asked for 'help' from parents and teachers (no mention of the alumni!), so that the school can move on. As 'nice' as Jorge's prepared speech sounded — parents, students and alumni wanted answers; not poetic words. A parent from the crowd raised her hand and asked 'We just want to know why Dr. Jenkins had to retire!' Jorge's only comment regarding this mother's question was that he was unable to discuss the matter due to a Non-Disclosure-Clause agreement. This NDC, which was an all too familiar answer that students and teachers were getting accustomed to hearing was not good enough for the parents. Another parent asked, if both parties (BOT and Dr. Jenkins), agreed to waive their NDC, could it be discussed. President of the BOT, Tim Kernaghan responded that they were not going to waive that right. Dr. Jenkins replied simply "Both parties must agree." Those sympathetic with the Jenkins' (Dale and Kedel), provided various testimonials and good will messages towards a man they entrusted their children with for many years. Some parents asked simple, yet important questions such as "Who will replace Dr. Jenkins and Mrs. Jenkins?" To which Jorge replied that he would assume the role as upper-school principal and that a PDN ad (you're kidding right?) has been placed to find a replacement for Kedel Jenkins. The mood of the crowd was tense, no doubt due to the heat of the room (remember I had mentioned that the AC was out of order ...), but also because those in attendance still were not quite satisfied with the answers provided by either the BOT or Headmaster. Many more questions were raised by those concerned but not much answers were provided. The highlight of the evening was when BankPacific Chairman Phil Flores stood up and challenged the BOT to admit they made a mistake and correct it. Mr. Flores went on to say that if the BOT is willing to fly the Jenkins out to New York to help them get another job, why not keep them here? A point that was raised in an earlier exchange by Alumni President and BOT president Tim Kernaghan. Of course both the headmaster and BOT president remained uncomfortably silent on this issue. Mr. Flores electrified the crowd of parents, students and alumni when he looked Tim Kernaghan straight in the eyes and asked 'please reconsider' and bring Dale back, to which the crowd roared in approval.

Just when the evening was thought over, Mr. Lopez asked Dr. Jenkins to address the audience. Dr. Jenkins with his usual dry wit, looked at the crowd who had come to see him and simply said that he was sorry that his departure was causing so much pain — especially to the class of 2004. Dr. Jenkins then went on to say that he did not leave because he did anything criminal or inappropriate to the children, and that he did not steal, lie or cheat. It would appear, to the audience that Dr. Jenkins, himself did not quite understand why he was no longer working at SJS. And to the dismay of many of the teachers, students and alumni in the audience — they too were still wondering the same thing. Just as Dr. Jenkins finished his commentary, Dr. Tom Shieh asked him "Would you come back if the BOT asked you to?" To which Dr. Jenkins replied "I never wanted to go". It was then that the crowd finally knew that his departure was not of his choosing but because of the BOT and Headmaster for reasons unknown and probably unfair. After loving hugs from students, Dr. Jenkins seemed happy at least for the moment that he was able to see his seniors again. Even though the moment was bittersweet for the seniors, they took what they could and was just glad to see their principal again. After a few more testimonials and pleads to reinstate Dr. Jenkins back to the school by students of the graduating class of 2004, the BOT was challenged by Mark Fish former BOT president. Mr. Fish asked when the BOT would meet to discuss this issue again. Tim Kernaghan responded, that the BOT will meet in an Executive Session on Saturday (1/17/04). Will this BOT and the Headmaster do the right thing? The fear is that they will not. And if they do not, it is further evidence that SJS is headed towards darker times ahead. [See other photos from PTA night]