Willard superintendent suspended for graduation prayer

Under scrutiny for praying at the Willard High School graduation, retiring superintendent Kent Medlin was told to leave a month early.

The Willard school board, in a special meeting, voted to place the longtime leader on a "paid leave of absence" through the end of his contract. 

The move was largely symbolic because Medlin, hired 14 years ago, announced plans to retire months ago and was only scheduled to work until June 30. His annual salary is $200,000.

The board took the action, according to a statement, based "upon the board's belief that Dr. Medlin's High School commencement speech violated Board of Education policies regarding prayer at school-sponsored events."

In mid-May, a group of graduating seniors demanded Medlin apologize after he spoke at the commencement ceremony at JQH Arena. In a speech, Medlin credited his "savior," quoted the Bible and asked the crowd to stand and join him in prayer.

The students alleged Medlin went too far by asking the crowd to stand up and pray, as Christians, used religious terms throughout his speech and invited students to stop by his school office to discuss the "Lord."

The U.S. Supreme Court has repeatedly ruled that prayers at public school-sanctioned events, including graduation, violate the Establishment Clause — which protects against, among other things, the promotion of one religion over another — and forces an individual to choose between attending a school event or avoiding prayer.

Four students told the News-Leader they were upset by Medlin's speech and prayer and that there were others who felt the same way but were afraid to speak up. They also planned to contact the American Civil Liberties Union and possibly file a complaint.

In the weeks before graduation, Medlin's last in Willard, students said they asked him not to offer a prayer at the ceremony, as he had in previous years. 

Told about the student concerns in the days after graduation, Medlin apologized. But, he said he had not received any requests to skip the prayer this year.

"If my behavior was offensive to anyone then I am truly sorry," he told the News-Leader at the time. "I in no way wanted to offend anybody. That was not my intention."

Medlin said he gave a speech using the acronym GUTS and the first three letters stood for grit, understanding and teamwork. In talking about the "S" he said everyone needs somebody or something that will guide them to the finish line.

He said he told the crowd: "For me, that S stands for my savior." 

On Tuesday, a call to Medlin seeking comment was not returned.

Board president Kip Baker said Tuesday that a special meeting was called May 26 to discuss Medlin's speech at the graduation. He said the board immediately notified Medlin of the suspension and asked Assistant Superintendent Stewart Pratt to serve as the interim leader until June 30.

According to the board statement, Pratt "will represent the district at all district activities during this period."

Baker referred additional questions to the district's attorney, Thomas Mickes of St. Louis, who is traveling internationally. 

On July 1, Pratt will start a new job as superintendent in Harrison, Arkansas. Smithton Superintendent Matt Teeter, hired months ago, will start work as the new Willard school leader.

Teeter, who has repeatedly visited the district and been involved in hiring decisions this spring, said he didn't feel comfortable commenting on the suspension.

"I don't have all the information," he said. "I think we have to trust the board."

Teeter said he respects the work Medlin has done to grow and improve Willard during his lengthy tenure and he looks forward to working closely with the board when he starts work in early July.