ELLSWORTH – Students, parents, toddlers and even a few dogs marched in peaceful protest Saturday to support beleaguered Ellsworth High School Assistant Principal Michael Wright, whose contract was not renewed last week by the city school board.

No one could remember the last time community members showed as much passion over a school board decision as they have exhibited for nearly a week on behalf of Wright, an administrator known for being tough but fair in his role as the school’s disciplinarian.

The crowd, estimated by police at 300 to 400 people, erupted in cheers and applause in the parking lot in front of City Hall as Wright made his way to the microphone to thank his supporters, who had marched down Route 1A and State Street from the high school.

Wright described the school board’s 5-0 vote not to renew his contract “the low point of my career” and the outpouring of support in the past week as the high point.

“There is no way I can repay you for that [support],” said Wright, who did not take part in the march. “The lesson I have learned this week is if you treat people with respect and show that you care, good things will happen.”

“Your dedication is thanks enough,” one parent yelled out from the crowd, which erupted again in loud, raucous cheering.

Students, led by Senior Class President Joe McErlain, promised to keep up the pressure to get Wright reinstated. Students are circulating two petitions: one that would ask the school board to reconsider its action; a second, to be done through citizen petition, that would seek to recall Superintendent Jack Turcotte.

Turcotte, however, is a professional administrator who cannot be recalled in the way that elective officials sometimes are. Only the school board has the authority to fire the superintendent.

Turcotte could not be reached for comment Sunday, but school board member Dick Gray, who also was mentioned by name Saturday, was not swayed by the protest.

“I deal in facts, and I have seen nothing to change my opinion to date,” Gray said.

Saturday’s march was the third protest in four days and the first one that included parents. Some 400 students were suspended for one day last Thursday for skipping school to protest.

Peter Dodson, whose two children graduated from the high school, showed up for Saturday’s march for three reasons, he said.

First, Dodson questioned why the school board had a problem with Wright now, when he’s been at the school for 17 years, most of them as assistant principal.

Second, Dodson does not believe Wright has had a fair chance to defend himself. And finally, Dodson questioned the assertion by the school board that Wright is not a team player.

“That usually means you’re not willing to suck up to your superiors,” Dodson said. “That’s my kind of guy. That’s what got me out here.”

Dodson, like other parents, was unsure whether the school board would reconsider its vote. He was hopeful, however.

“I think [the board] will consider reconsidering after the stink this has caused,” he said. “I don’t think they expected this kind of reaction.”

Several parents spoke at the City Hall rally Saturday. Even some teachers joined the march to support one of their bosses.

“I don’t know how the school board in good conscience could say he’s not a leader. He’s an inspiring leader,” retired Ellsworth High School teacher Sue Shaw said before the march began.

Shaw praised Wright’s “tireless work ethic,” his willingness to listen to teachers and students and his uncanny ability to remember names.

“He knows the names of every kid,” said the former physical education and health teacher. “Not just the good kids, not just the bad kids, but all of them.” The school has about 600 students.

Shaw also was concerned about what lessons the students will take away from their protest effort if the school board refuses to listen to them.

“If they learn they are being completely disregarded, then what have they been taught?” she asked.

Wright said Saturday he has not yet decided whether to formally appeal the school board’s vote. He received the official termination letter in Saturday’s mail, he said, and has 15 days to appeal.

“The caring, support and love you have shown my family has just been incredible,” Wright said in closing his brief remarks to the crowd. “Thank you.”