The Bridgman Public Schools Board of Education has met with High School Band Director Cliff Reppart, a day after the board heard an earful from residents in support of him.
Reppart was placed on paid administrative leave by the district in December for a possible policy violation, although the district hasn’t revealed more. A Facebook group called We Trust Reppart came together this past weekend to push for his reinstatement, and it now has nearly 1,000 members. Some waited outside F.C. Reed Middle School Tuesday while Reppart spoke to the school board.
Angelique Petersen is one of the organizers of We Trust Reppart and tells us the students want him back.
“When months go by, that leads to a lot of unnecessary speculation,” Petersen said. “Rumors start flying, people trying to piece together what happened to this great man. And I feel like that’s really damaged his reputation during this time, and he’s not a man that deserves that. For the kids especially, it was devastating. They have been sad since he left, and that’s been the hardest thing for any of us to watch.”
Petersen says it’s been heartwarming to see the support Reppart has gotten.
The board of education made no decision following its closed session with him Tuesday as it continues its investigation.
After the meeting, Reppart thanked those who came out in support of him.
