By Hannah Arendsen  and Sarah Bommer

UPDATE: Band teacher Paul Mundo will not be returning to Plainwell High School, but he will also not be barred from teaching elsewhere. 

This decision was the result of a special board meeting Tuesday, Nov. 18 in the high school cafeteria. 

“The group that came forward (at the regular board meeting Monday night) was the kindest, most eloquent, most respectful, and that does not go unnoticed,” said Amy Blades, board president.

The meeting began with another round of public comment. A handful of students, parents, and alumni came forward to speak for about an hour in support of Mundo. Around 7:30 p.m. the board moved into closed session. 

Around 10:45 p.m. the board returned from closed session and announced that they are dropping the tenure charges against Mundo, which would have caused him to lose his teaching credentials. Students and parents let out sighs of relief. 

Further details are being withheld while a resignation is worked out.

Protesters marched around the Plainwell Community Schools Administration building, chanting “What do we want?” “Save Mundo” “When do we want it?” “NOW!” on Nov. 16, 2015.

Band students, band parents, band alums, friends, and family of Paul Mundo, Plainwell High School band director, came together to have a peaceful protest and speak openly at the board of education meeting regarding recent accusations that have been made against Mundo.

According to Tom Greig, a Michigan Education Association representative, Mundo allegedly committed two main offenses and was put on paid leave by the Plainwell Community Schools administration.

1. Erroneously posting the date of his absence on AESOP, the online substitute service, essentially leaving his classes unattended.
2. Failing to ensure three eighth graders arrived to the bus after a band competition in Vicksburg.

Principal Jeremy Wright has declined to comment on the issue because it is a personnel matter. Mundo is also unable to comment.

The Board of Education is considering not only terminating Mundo’s employment, but making it so that he will no longer be able to teach in Michigan.

A final decision will be made on Nov. 17, 2015 in a closed session meeting of the Board of Education set to commence in the Leadership Room of the Central Administration Building at 6:30 p.m. The floor will be open for public comment before the decision is made.

The protesters arrived at 4:45 p.m with instruments, signs, and lots of passion; Mundo himself was not present. At 6:30 the meeting was to convene in the Leadership Room at the Central Administration Building, but due to an overabundance of spectators the meeting was relocated to the Performing Arts Center at 6:45 p.m. After approval of minutes and agenda approval the floor was opened for public comment with a time restraint of 3 minutes.

Throughout the course of the night, more than 60 people spoke on the behalf of Mundo, who has directed the band for 14 years. The first four speakers were representatives from the Michigan Education Association that read their rebuttal to the charges.

Tyler Walker ‘17, a 6 year student of Mundo, talked about the impact that Mundo has had on his life and the rest of the band.

“Right now I am proud to be a part of PHS band…but I am not proud to be part of PHS,” said Walker.

Jasmine Vann ‘18, also a long time student of Mundo, said, “Without him [Mundo] I would not be where I am today, academically, socially, and musically.”

Students also stood up and praised Mundo on his dedication to his students, even saying that he was a father figure to them and at some times Mundo cares more about them than they do themselves. In fact, a Facebook page set up in his defense is called “Save Papa Mundo.”  

“During competition season he is there, during the summer he’s there, after school and during school practice he’s there, when you need advice he’s there,” said Carter Zamora ‘17.

Students were not the only speakers voicing their support for Mundo.

Mark Heather, who has worked with Mundo for over 6 years, and has stepped in to help with the band program since Mundo has been put on leave, stood up and stated that Mundo cares about his students and if the board of education does go through with these charges they would be making “a grave mistake.”

Todd Kowalski, a band parent and chaperone, recounted a story in which they were in Europe with band students.

“We took 190 students to Europe, and 190 students returned from Europe,” said Kowalski.

After an hour of public comment passed, the Board unanimously voted to extend public comment by 30 minutes, in which more speeches were given.

Kyle Bias ‘17, a student who has never even had a conversation with Mundo, came to defend him against the charges because he has seen the impact that Mundo has had on this school.

“Teachers are not glorified babysitters, they shouldn’t have to watch students get on and off a bus,” said Bias.

“If they want to place blame they should put it on all the parent chaperons, Mr. H (assistant band director, David Hepinstall), and Mr. Mundo,” said Walker.

“I am told by my union that I must refrain from answering any questions regarding Mr. Mundo’s situation. I’m sorry I can’t provide more information on this matter,” said Hepinstall.

Photos by Nick Girolami ’17 and Sarah Bommer ’16.

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