On Monday, March 9th, the Cambridge High School band director, Daniel Scott, was forced to leave the school building due to an unsigned field trip form. 

On Tuesday, March 10th, the Cambridge High School principal, Ashley Agans, met with the band parent's booster board to discuss what would happen during his "administrative leave". 

On Wednesday, March 11th, Ms. Agans called all band kids to the auditorium during homeroom. It was then that the students were informed that their band director would not be returning for "awhile". They were informed that their director would not be able to conduct the last three shows of 9-5, the CHS musical of the year that features a live pit. They were told that their jazz trip to New Orleans had been canceled that was supposed to occur the weekend after. She explained that there was so much unknown about the situation and there was not much more she could say.

What followed that day was endless tears, confusion, texts, calls, emails, and blame. Some students felt as though Mr. Scott was choosing to leave and had abandoned them at the busiest time of the year. Some were worried about the safety and health of Mr. Scott and his family. Some turned to anger, placing the blame on anyone and anything they could. 

Throughout the past two weeks, these are the facts that the students and parents have been presented with and the events that have occurred.

• Mr. Scott is healthy and safe. Mr. Scott's family is healthy and safe. 
• From Mr. Scott directly, this is the reason for his Administrative leave: "During my time managing the program, questions arose regarding administrative procedures and documentation requirements. As a result, I was placed on a plan outlining expectations in those areas. I worked to address those expectations while continuing to manage the responsibilities of the program. However, I ultimately made a procedural mistake involving a field trip form for an out-of-state Winter guard trip. That oversight resulted in my being placed on administrative leave."
• Mr. Scott was expected to do the job that has now taken 11 employees to replace. An important note here is that the assistant band director job at CHS was taken away just two years ago in 2023. 
• In an email from the Fulton County Schools superintendent, he stated, "What I can confirm is that Mr. Scott will not be returning to Cambridge High School." However, Mr. Scott's resignation does not begin until May 22nd. 
• There has been a significant loss of trust in the schools administration since the sudden forced leave of Mr. Scott. Due to this, there has been a rapid decline of mental health in all students impacted by Mr. Scott in his time at Cambridge. The school even had to send a grief counselor to the band room to assist many crying students. 

Mr. Scott's absence has not just effected the students in his band program. It has effected every student he crossed paths with during his time at Cambridge. Mr. Scott has a unique way of cultivating a culture that makes every individual student feel seen and known. That culture cannot be replicated. These students need their director back.

Today, on Thursday, March 26th, he has yet to return to CHS. 

By signing this petition, your voice will be heard. That you stand with Mr. Scott and all that he has done for the program. And that collectively, WE STAND WITH SCOTT.