Jones Elementary School administration changes mind, will air Obama speech on Tuesday

Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

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You can read President Obama’s speech here.

Now here’s the latest, from loyal reader James:

Marsha Lipe, the principal of Ira B. Jones Elementary School, has reversed her earlier decision to postpone the President’s speech. Jones now joins most other Asheville schools in airing the speech live on Tuesday morning.
 
A small victory for respectful but stern citizen activism.
 
Thanks to all who wrote and/or called. It worked.

Here’s the note from Jones principal Marsha Lipe, “proud principal” of Jones Elementary School:

“Good afternoon parents and Happy Labor Day. This is Marsha Lipe, proud principal of Ira B. Jones Elementary School. After further discussion, I am revising my decision regarding President Obama’s address to the school children of the United States. We WILL air the broadcast live tomorrow on Tuesday as well as tape it for classrooms where time and schedule constraints exist. Per Asheville Citizen-Times, the White House plans to release the speech online today so parents can read it. If you do not want your child to view the speech, please send in a written note to your child’s teacher and alternate activities will be provided in the media center. Thank you and have a good day.”