Opinion mixed about Mount Vernon principal's 'birthday spankings'

A dozen parents showed up outside of a closed-door meeting at the Mount Vernon High School library Wednesday to support the Washington Elementary School principal who admitted to doling out spankings to students on their birthdays.

Inside, opinions about the principal were mixed, said a high school teacher.

The meeting was held so that Principal Terry Eisenbarth could discuss his way of celebrating birthdays – tapping students on their backsides with a paddle.  He has said that the ritual helped him forge relationships with students.

Jessica Burgin, whose daughter, Kayla, is a second grader at the school, said she has few qualms about the spankings.

“I would have been concerned if my daughter came home and said something, but she never mentioned anything about being uncomfortable,” she said.

“All the kids think he's the greatest. He's there before school and high-fives everybody.”

But, in January, some uncomfortable parents had asked the school to take action against Eisenbarth. The school responded by emailing an apology, along with a photo of  the paddle he used.

"I was shocked at first," said Joann Zobak, who has a daughter at the school.

“I kind of found it offensive, but once he explained it to us, told us what he did, I was like ‘ok', and he stopped.”

Zobak said Eisenbarth had met with her and group of parents to discuss the situation.

“I think he's a great principal," Zobak said. "He's really improved the school this year, and the kids really strive with him.  He's a great communicator with parents, so I support him 100 percent.”

At the meeting, Superintendent Pam Ewell advised concerned parents to contact the school district's lawyer.