I knew that Derrick Mitchell Sr. was a principal in St Louis but I had no idea he was like a modern day Joe Clark from the movie(Lean on Me). Derrick Sr. is graduate of Vashon High School in St Louis. St Louis Public Schools were one of the worst school systems in the country. Derrick Sr. took over Vashon High School after receiving a grant from the US DEPT of ED to improve the school in 2009 I believe. The school has taken huge steps forward and is beginning to thrive. Obviously he did a great job. In 2012, Normandy High School in St Louis lost its accreditation. This allowed many students to leave. Most went to Francis Howell. In 2013, Normandy hired Derrick Mitchell Sr. as it's Principal. Normandy is getting better and is slowing getting students back. I have linked a couple stories below. It is very interesting that we have Jr. here at Iowa and he reportedly has made a minor mistake in judgement(I have no idea what it is) when his father is "Modern Day Joe Clark" I have no idea what Junior did but I believe what ever Junior told KF was enough for KF to lift the suspension immediately. I honestly believe lifting the suspension had a lot to do with the type of family Junior comes from and the trust that KF has in Junior. I linked some stories below about Derrick Mitchell Sr.
http://www.stltoday.com/news/local/...cle_862a3abb-aa38-5024-9c80-2346bbe5f37f.html
https://www.stlbeacon.org/#!/content/25738/arne_duncan_visit_city_school
http://www.stltoday.com/news/local/...cle_63567697-e712-59dc-bfb1-c30326cc8971.html
http://www.stltoday.com/news/local/...cle_862a3abb-aa38-5024-9c80-2346bbe5f37f.html
https://www.stlbeacon.org/#!/content/25738/arne_duncan_visit_city_school
http://www.stltoday.com/news/local/...cle_63567697-e712-59dc-bfb1-c30326cc8971.html