By
The Associatd Press
SIERRA VISTA, Ariz. - More than 100 students at a charter high school walked out of class yesterday to protest the firing of the school's superintendent.
The protest came after Douglas Jackson met with students at Center for Academic Success High School to discuss his dismissal. The students, several of whom complained the firing was unjust, had asked to hear from Jackson.
As students gathered outside and in the parking lot, Jackson asked them to disperse and go home. The teens each hugged him or shook his hand before leaving.
"Mr. Doug has been here four years and I've been here for three. If it wasn't for Mr. Doug I wouldn't be where I am now," said senior Erica Mallett.
Jackson said he was terminated a week ago for allegedly misusing a company credit card and cellular phone. Jackson denies the charges. He said the credit card statement was erroneous and that he paid the phone bill.
School board Executive Director Vada Phelps said she had given Jackson 10 days to present information proving his innocence.
"If he has information that's not available to me, I'll reconsider," said Phelps. "It was not easy for me to make this decision."
