Goodbye to Mr. I.?
By Nathan Straus News Reporter

When the Brownsboro High School drama department opens up again after the summer, drama teacher Wayne Innerarity, known as Mr. I. to his students, may not be there.

According to Innerarity, BHS principal Kenneth Wooten told him he was dissatisfied with what Innerarity was doing as far as the theater department was concerned.

"I was told I might want to start looking for another job," Innerarity said.

The conversation put Innerarity in a state of shock, he said.

"I had been asking for help for several years," Innerarity said. "I'm the only one in the district who teaches both junior and senior high, and I want to be able to give more attention to both."

Matt Mueller, a volunteer and substitute teacher for Innerarity, said no one in the department's booster club wants to see Mr. I. replaced.

"I'll do everything I can to make sure Mr. I. leaves on his own terms," Mueller said. "If he wants to go, then I'd be sad but it would be his decision. "

Mueller brought several students of Innerarity's to the school's Board of Trustees meeting Monday, April 14, to plead their case.

"That was just who we could round up in 30 minutes," Mueller said.

Mr. I. said he believes this issue has come up because of the department's performance at UIL meets.

Mueller said the drama's booster club is less concerned about winning and more concerned about the life impact the department has on the students.

"The judgment of one man should not weigh on Mr. I.'s performance," Mueller said about UIL judges.

He recalled the judging of the one act play "Cottonwood Bridge" where points were deducted from the group's performance because a fight seemed to go out of control.

"It was choreographed," Mueller said. "Whoever judged that play just couldn't tell."

Innerarity has taught at the school for around 13 years. In the three and a half years Mueller has worked with him, Mueller said the group has won many awards.

When asked about this situation, all principal Wooten said was personnel decisions in the high school are his to make.

Innerarity said being a theater teacher for both high school and the junior high school is a wearing and difficult job.

"I'm thankful the school board put up a technical booth," Mr. I. said, "it looks a lot better."

Innerarity added he was very proud of the department, and has been thinking of turning the reigns over.

"I'm ready, but I don't want to leave without someone competent taking my place," Mr. I. said. "I love the kids, I love this job and I want someone with these values. I'm praying that God will provide."

But Innerarity added he would not want to leave until he knew the department and the kids were in good hands.

Mueller said if this situation disappears he would be happy. "If the school wants to continue forward I would start a petition drive," Mueller said.

As of this paper's deadline there has been no change in the status of this issue.