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Over 130 parents showed up at the MLK Center tonight to fight for a better Bessie Owens Primary School. The main complaints are the lack of leadership and bad environment at the school. They want the counselor who was put on administrative leave and arrested to be reinstated at the school.   Also, they want the principal and secretary removed from the school. Teachers sent a list of complaints about the negative climate at the school including verbal abuse, disrespect and unfair treatment. Only one teacher was brave enough to come to the meeting.

 Ever since my child began attending Owens Primary, I noticed that the atmosphere in the main office was unfriendly, abusive and toxic. I attribute this to the leadership of the principal and how she sets the tone. I, like many of the parents resorted to other support staff such as the counselor for guidance. Recently, she was placed on administrative leave and arrested for standing up for the students and parents of Owens Primary. I am worried about my child's treatment at school. He does not feel safe at school. He loves his teacher but  I worry that she is also intimidated by the principal. A group  of parents are meeting at Martin Luther King Community Center, Monday at 7 PM. If you have a student at Owens primary or you are concerned about quality education in our community, please join us.