They Do Too Have it In For You

When you were in high school, did you ever feel like a teacher or administrator had it in for you? That somebody was trying to entrap you? You might have been right:

One Patrick Conroy, who was the assistant principal at L. C. Mohr High School (also known as South Haven High School), (600 Elkenburg St., South Haven, MI 49090 (269)637-0593) had a stash of drugs in his office. He planted some marijuana in the locker of a student he "knew" was dealing drugs, so the kid could be arrested and expelled. Unfortunately, the drug sniffing dog didn't pick up on the marijuana (maybe it was too old?). Later, he told the dog handler that he had planted the pot in the student's locker. The police responded by raiding his office.

This smarmy little martinet public servant knew he was doing wrong. He kept confessing that his actions were unethical. He also claimed that he had been building his drug collection for five years, ever since he came to the school, for educational purposes, so he could "
bring them to school board student expulsion hearings to show as evidence if necessary." But school board members said they had never seen drugs displayed at expulsion hearings.

South Haven Police Chief Rod Somerlott said earlier that when drugs are confiscated from a student, by law police must be contacted immediately to pick up and dispose of the illegal substances.

Mr. Conroy has a student supporter , the editor of the school paper:

Letter from the editor, by Abby N. 2/18/2004

Many students have taken notice that Mr. Conroy is not at school. Rumors of drugs, sex, and violence have been flung through the air all week long. Many students have been questioning what’s happened. According to Mr. Hadden, he is on leave with pay, and the reason has nothing to do with sex, drugs or violence. The press release that was given to teachers stated the reason is procedural, administrative:

“South Haven Public School District is currently cooperating with a review conducted by the appropriate authorities. During this review, one of our staff members, Pat Conroy, is on leave with pay. It is the intent of the District that this process be fair and efficient, and when the process is complete, further information will be provided by the Director of Personnel. Mr. Conroy's responsibilities are being assumed by other staff members at the high school.”

Many students have made wild accusations; saying that Mr. Conroy was arrested and even some parents claimed the he was in jail. Mr. Conroy has not been arrested and he has not done anything illegal. He is on leave with pay for a problem with certain school procedures. Mr. Conroy has been a great help to this school over the years. Ms. Liscow, a teacher at the high school, stated, “The man truly loves kids and targets their best interests. He’s intelligent, creative, and dedicated to student success. He’s just great to work with.” The general opinion of Mr. Conroy at The Critic is that he’s a great guy. “It’s a shame that the school may lose the glue that held it together,” said Cory McDaniel after he learned the circumstances of Mr. Conroy’s absence.

Mr. Conroy was gold in a school full of nickel and his absence has left a void in both the school and in the hearts of many students. It’s uplifting to see people sticking up for him instead of throwing his good name into the dirt. We are hoping that Mr. Conroy’s absence is not one that is permanent. Through his methods, Mr. Conroy has managed to help many students out of troubling situations and become successful. Hopefully, he can work through this rough patch in his life and return soon.

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She's not the only one who thinks Mr. Conroy ought to keep his job:

Community should rally to help assistant principal keep his job
To the editor,
It is our opinion that Pat Conroy has been an exemplary Assistant Principal whose honesty and integrity are unquestionable. He is liked and respected not only by the parents and faculty, but by the students as well and that is high praise indeed. He is often the voice of reason when tempers flare and has always put the well being of the students above all else.

He is the administrator that the students seek out when they have problems because they know that he will treat them fairly. We doubt his job description requires him to be at school at 5:30 a.m. to work out with the swim team, to chaperone class trips, or to stay up all night for post prom, yet he is always available for the students when needed.

It has been reported in the Herald Palladium that Mr. Conroy failed to follow proper procedures regarding a marijuana incident at the high school. A serious offense without question, but certainly not one that should relieve him of his position as assistant principal. Good administrators are hard to find and Pat Conroy has been a great asset to our school. We should be giving him our unconditional support.

Our voice may not be very important but many voices can be very impressive. Teachers, parents, students and friends, you need to let Mr. Conroy know that you support his efforts on behalf of our students and let our school board know as well. Call or write Superintendent Myers* or stop by Lakeshore Paint at 263 Broadway, and sign your name on a group letter. Our loss is going to be another school system’s gain.

Debbie and Arnie Zuckerman, parents
South Haven

*South Haven Public Schools
554 Green Street
South Haven, MI 49090.

But according to the paper, Conroy's been charged with possession of marijuana and has resigned.

Maybe Conroy is related to Chris Conroy, the California marijuana expert.

L.C. Mohr High School provides a safe secondary environment with many advanced classes including advanced placement and college level classes. In addition to an excellent academic program, learners enjoy a well rounded program of extra curricular and co-curricular classes and programs. The music programs provided by the high school are state, nationally and internationally known.

L. Cl Mohr's most famous graduate is probably the bassist for Smashing Pumpkins, D'Arcy. South Haven is a town of

Other sites covering this story:

Number 2 Pencil
Joanne Jacobs
Unknown News
Alternet.org
CBS News
The Herald Sun
Michegan Education Report