Parents, students and community urge board to keep EC Glass principal after surprise resignation

Dozens of parents, students and community leaders used a newly extended public‑comment period at the Lynchburg City School Board meeting to urge officials to persuade EC Glass High School principal Dr. Danny Rule to remain in his post and to demand more transparency about his sudden resignation.

The largest cluster of public comments focused on personal testimony about Dr. Rule’s presence and leadership. “He has been the best principal I’ve ever had,” student Lily Arbor said, adding that a petition in support of Dr. Rule has gathered “3,683” signatures. Parents and former administrators recounted long records of service and school turnarounds they attribute to his leadership.

Why it matters: Commenters said Dr. Rule’s departure would destabilize EC Glass, which speakers described as the district’s most diverse high school and a place where relationship‑based leadership improved student outcomes. Several speakers said they have been denied detail about the resignation and asked the district to explain the process and to hold an in‑person forum for families, staff and students.

Community appeals and specific requests were consistent across speakers. Parent Jenna Hasky asked the board to commit to four steps: hold a public forum, provide a timeline for leadership decisions at EC Glass, explain how community input will be used, and state how stakeholders will be updated. “Trust cannot be built through silence,” she told the board.

Former division official Dr. Derek Brown urged a public acknowledgment of Dr. Rule’s two decades of service. “He has more than earned it,” Brown said, calling for a sincere and meaningful public thank‑you.

Not all comments asked for reversal of the resignation; many asked instead for clear explanations of the process and assurances that community input will meaningfully inform next steps. Several speakers, including parents and alumni, framed the debate as part of a larger concern about leadership turnover in Lynchburg City Schools and asked the board to prioritize retention strategies for strong leaders.

What the board said: The public‑comment portion was followed by routine business; no board action was taken during the meeting to rehire or to block the resignation. Vice Chair Mr. Connor had opened the public comment period after the board voted to extend speaker time and limit individual remarks to three minutes so all registered speakers could be heard.

Next steps: Multiple speakers demanded a community forum and a clearer timeline for leadership decisions. The superintendent’s office has acknowledged limits on personnel disclosures but said it would collect community input. The board did not announce any immediate personnel action at the meeting.

Supporters and critics: The meeting offered few direct rebuttals to the testimonials — the speakers largely presented sustained praise for Dr. Rule’s leadership, with repeated requests for more transparency. Several commenters suggested that the board or central office provide more opportunities for two‑way engagement beyond the single public‑comment slot.

The board moved on to the consent agenda and additional reports after the public comment period ended; no formal vote concerning Dr. Rule’s employment occurred during the session.