SOS supporters share their story

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - A lack of funds had originally forced the West Lafayette School Corporation to eliminate more than a dozen teacher positions. Concerned community members banded together to form a Save Our Schools (SOS) campaign, hoping to raise enough money to bring back at least some of those teachers and keep class sizes small.

With the first day of school is just weeks away, supporters of the program are proud. They have raised nearly $200,000 and been able to help bring back six local teachers whose positions had been eliminated.

Karen Randall still has children in the school system, and said that she was motivated to preserve her children's school experience.

"We have such a great staff in West Lafayette. I'm so proud of our school systems, and I don't want to see anything happen to them," said Randall.

Randall added that one of the teachers whose position had been in danger, Mr. Prue, had taught her daughter's second grade class.

"He's such a fabulous teacher," said Randall.

Some supporters had no direct interest in the schools at all. David McMillin's children, now in their thirties, have long since exited the school system, but he said the good experiences his kids had made him want to give back.

"Our kids started out in Cumberland and they went through all the schools, they got a good education," said McMillin.

West Lafayette Junior Senior High School teacher and football coach Marshall Overley offered his help to SOS and said it was difficult seeing coworkers let go.

"I think this encourages us as teachers to know that we have this support," said Overley.

Supporters feel encouraged too.

"I'm very proud of our town. Not surprised though, because everyone here, we put a high value on education and our schools. And they're worth it," said Randall.

Superintendent Rocky Killion said the school corporation will hold a ceremony next month thanking the community for its $175,000 in support.