School Secretary Offers Up Salary to Keep Principal from Being Laid Off

By Rusty Surette, NEWS 9

WELLSTON, Oklahoma -- A Wellston High School secretary gave up her entire salary to stop a co-worker from being laid off.

Wellston High secretary Dorothy Howell and Principal Ethel Grubbs are more like best friends. Last year Grubbs received word that she was on the chopping block due to budget cuts.

"It was like getting punched in the stomach," Grubbs said.

For Howell, who is also the school's I.T. director, she said the news of her friend's possible fate was like a kick in the stomach. That was why she did what most people wouldn't or couldn't do.

"The Lord has seen fit to bless me enough that I can do it," Howell said.

Howell gave up her entire salary for one year and is now working for free just so her boss can stay.

"Dorothy said it was important that I was here for the kids and she made it happen, and how do you thank somebody for that?" Grubbs said.

News of the salary sacrifice has everyone in Wellston marching to a different, more positive, beat. Everyone but the woman.

"There's been days I've told her I can't do this. I can't take this because that's too big of a sacrifice," Grubbs said.

But Howell, who'll live off her husband's salary, refuses to change her mind. She said her decision to work for free isn't for Grubbs. She said it's for the students, and she said the best thing for the students is Mrs. Grubbs.

"Honestly, I don't know why you're here. I don't think it's that big of a deal. You're able to fill it and you do," Howell said.

Even with Howell's salary, Grubbs still had to take a pay cut along with her husband who is the principal at the Wellston Middle School. Grubbs' own brother also donated some of his money to help make up the difference.