Students Urge Forgiveness of Foul-Mouthed Principal

By Rusty Surette, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- A high school principal is getting a flood of support from all corners of the community despite the language he left on a parent's cell phone.

The principal of Putnam City High School left a vulgar voicemail, but parents and students said his actions speak louder than his words, and they want him back.

The voicemail is no more than 10 seconds, but its impact has proven to be immense.

Putnam City administrators confirm the voice on the message is that of longtime educator and Principal Dr. Don Wentroth, and they said his foul-mouth is unacceptable.

"All adults, but especially educators, should be good role models and examples for our students," Putnam City Schools Spokesman Steve Lindley said.

The message was for Eric Hutchin's fiance, whose daughter attends Putnam High.

Hutchin admits his fiance used the same language when she showed up on campus and got into a heated confrontation with a coach. He said that's what prompted the principal to call.

"This is a man we put into authority to oversee our children," Hutchin said. "What would you do?"

Dr. Wentroth has been absent from campus, which has upset a number of students who claim their principal deserves another chance.

"It's out of his character," student Kayla Williams. "There must have been a pretty bad build up too for him to react in the way that he did."

They don't condone his language, but students said Dr. Wentroth did the right thing, and they said the school board should hear their message.

"You guys need to make the right decision and bring the principal we all love back to school," said student Callie Hirschler.

A number of parents and faculty members said they feel it was unfair NEWS 9 didn't interview Dr. Wentroth for the story. After attempts to talk to Dr. Wentroth, NEWS 9's questions were only forwarded to the district's spokesman.

The school board will meet again later this month, but the district's spokesman said it's too soon to say if they plan to take up the issue at that meeting.