The recent appointment of Dr. Cassandra Shelling as Principal of Carroll High School has generated significant conflict and controversy throughout the Carroll community. Alumni, parents, students, and staff have voiced deep concerns regarding the negative impact of her current administrative practices at The Pound.

From the mishandling of the homecoming campaign where voting procedures were not conducted fairly students have become discouraged from participating in school traditions and festivities. Many feel suppressed, unheard, and inadequate. In addition, the separation of students from different communities has created unnecessary discord between Carroll and Wossman, particularly within the athletic department. This division has influenced many feeder-school students to reconsider attending Carroll for their freshman year.

Parents of incoming freshmen, along with alumni, have taken to Facebook to express their genuine concerns and personal experiences regarding how the principal has treated them. Unfortunately, these actions have created an atmosphere filled with negativity and controversy.

Carroll’s Alma Mater proudly states:

“We sing thy praises Carroll High School. You will always be a mighty force in this great nation all the world can see!”

But how can we uphold this legacy under a principal who micro-manages every aspect of the school? Such behavior breeds a toxic environment, undermines trust, and stifles creativity ultimately causing staff stress and burnout. This is why many of our teachers are now on leave or have resigned. Morale has dropped dramatically, contributing to a rising turnover rate at CHS.

From her very first day as Principal, Dr. Shelling’s leadership style has been concerning. Her immediate removal of our former head football coach was, in the opinion of many, abrupt and deeply inappropriate. This drastic decision threw the team into disarray, forcing players to adjust to a new coach and an entirely new staff with only two weeks before the season began. This unnecessary and chaotic transition played a major role in the downfall of our football season.

The Carroll community deserves leadership that unifies not divides.

PETITION FOR LEADERSHIP CHANGE AT CARROLL HIGH SCHOOL

To: Monroe City School Board, Superintendent, and District Leadership

From: Concerned Alumni, Parents, Students, Staff, and Community Members of Carroll High School

Statement of Concern

We, the undersigned, respectfully submit this petition to express our deep concerns regarding the leadership of the Principal of Carroll High School. Since her appointment, there has been a significant rise in conflict, controversy, low morale, and division within the Carroll community.

Key Issues

1. Mismanagement of Student Activities

Dr. Shelling’s handling of the homecoming voting process and related festivities has discouraged student participation, created distrust, and damaged school spirit.

2. Suppression of Students and Staff

Numerous reports from students, parents, and staff indicate feelings of suppression, inadequacy, and lack of support. This environment has contributed to high stress, low morale, and a growing sense of fear within the school.

3. Harmful Division Between Communities

The separation and tension created between Carroll and Wossman particularly within the athletic department have fostered division rather than unity. This discord is now influencing feeder-school students to avoid attending Carroll.

4. Declining Staff Morale & High Turnover

Micro-management, lack of trust, and a toxic work environment under current leadership have led to teacher resignations, extended leaves, and a dramatic decrease in staff motivation. This threatens academic stability and student success.

5. Disruptive Handling of the Football Program

On her first day, Dr. Shelling dismissed the former head football coach, forcing the team to adapt to a new coach and entirely new staff with only two weeks before the season. This abrupt and poorly timed decision contributed significantly to the football program’s instability and the disappointing season that followed.

Impact on Carroll’s Legacy

Carroll High School’s Alma Mater reminds us:

“We sing thy praises Carroll High School. You will always be a mighty force in this great nation all the world can see!”

We, the Carroll family, believe in this legacy. But our school cannot remain a “mighty force” under leadership that divides the community, suppresses staff and students, and damages school pride.

Our Request

We, the concerned alumni, parents, students, staff, and supporters of Carroll High School, respectfully request that the Monroe City School Board and district leadership:

• Immediately evaluate the leadership practices of the principal , including but not limited to staff morale, student engagement, and community relations. 

• Take necessary corrective actions, up to and including leadership reassignment or removal, in order to restore stability, unity, and trust at Carroll High School. Removal of Cassandra Shelling. 

• Engage alumni, staff, parents, and students in future decisions involving school leadership to ensure transparency and collaboration. 

Our Commitment

We are united not in hostility, but in our love for Carroll High School its students, its legacy, and its future. We stand together for a school that uplifts, unites, and represents the pride of our community.