





Fired teacher denies trying ‘to turn them gay’ By SEÁN O’DONOGHUE Managing Editor

HAMLIN - After over 13 hours of testimony conducted over three separate days during February and March, the Lincoln County Board of Education last week voted to terminate Guyan Valley Middle School teacher Kelli Burns. The hearing had convened on three occasions, February 21, March 2, and last Thursday, March 7, 2013. In a series of claims regarding the situation, Burns told The Lincoln Journal, late last week, that she was comfortable exposing what she termed the "completely inexcusable trashing” of her sexuality and her "so-called lifestyle” by the school system. She further alleged that students had been forced to write submissions saying that she had "tried to turn them gay.” Burns expressed her overall dismay regarding the process in her comments to The Lincoln Journal. "What has this process taught our youngsters? Every day they stand and recite an anti-bullying pledge right after the Pledge of Allegiance. And then they watch for months one of their favorite and most successful teachers be bullied by some staff and administration. The fact is some students actually went on record to teachers and administrators, saying that they were tired of watching me be trashed and slandered and bullied in the classroom. It was brave of them and I admire them for that,” Burns said late last week. Burns said that the school system and the board’s legal counsel had "stooped low” in allowing "unbelievably spurious and slanderous unsubstantiated statements” about her personally and professionally to be presented as evidence. "Their actions and words, all of them, will come back to haunt them in one way or another as this whole debacle plays out in the press and courts. This includes those witnesses who, in their testimony against me, stooped so low as to disparage my personal and professional selfhood with libel and slander, with especial attention to criticizing my sexuality and so called lifestyle. As well as (board counsel) Rebecca Tinder, who allowed completely low and spurious evidence that I tried to turn students gay and forced them to cross dress, among numerous equally slanderous and utterly untrue statements in her official prosecution of me,” said Burns. She also voiced her dismay at board members for allowing what she termed an "unbelievable circus” to continue. Though Burns was present throughout the first two lengthy sessions, she did not appear at the 1 p.m. session last Thursday. She instead submitted a letter to Superintendent Patricia Lucas and Board President Steve Priestley shortly prior to last week’s concluding session. The Lincoln Journal obtained a copy of the letter, wherein Burns expressed her wish to end the personnel hearing. In her letter, Burns said "too many hours of spurious testimony, allegations, hearsay statements, so-called ‘evidence’ and character destruction” had gone on against her during the hearing. She asserted that her case had been "proven” through the submission of documents and in the cross-examination of witnesses called by counsel for the board of education. Burns alleged that two principals who had testified "were not in compliance” with Policy 5310 when they had conducted an evaluation of her. State Policy 5310 concerns performance evaluations of school personnel. The lengthy document includes specific descriptions of the evaluation process for classroom teachers and improvement plans for teachers found to be performing unsatisfactorily.

Speaking to The Lincoln Journal previously, Burns voiced concern about the overall situation. "I don’t know how they got to this point,” she said. "They did not follow proper procedure,” alleged Burns in reference to school system administrators. She said the matter had been ongoing since around October of 2011. At that time, she was teaching in Harts. Burns contends that there is plenty of evidence showing her efficacy as a teacher. "This includes my students’ improvements in test scores, faculty testimonials and awards,” Burns said. She further claimed that while many plans of improvement were threatened, "none were implemented by school law.” In last week’s letter to the superintendent and president, Burns said she felt the case had been proven that there existed "no evidence that plans of improvement were ever implemented and that no improvement team was ever in existence” in accordance with Policy 5310. Burns also said she felt there had been "severe character assassination” against her, conducted by witnesses called by Tinder. This, Burns contended, was chiefly motivated to "turn attention away from the simple facts” of the case that the policy and state code had been "broken.” Burns added that continuing the hearing would not be constructive for the parties "because a further ongoing attack” on her professional integrity, right to due process and civil liberties would only "turn into an increasingly larger circus.” The hearing last Thursday convened at 1 p.m. as scheduled. The board members conducted some brief regular business before beginning the hearing proper at around 1:05 p.m. A motion to resume the hearing behind closed doors was approved, with Supt. Lucas, Assistant Superintendent Jeff Midkiff, Tinder and a court reporter remaining in the room with the board quintet. The Lincoln Journal understands that Midkiff concluded his testimony, which had been interrupted when the hearing adjourned five days earlier. Lucas also offered brief testimony. No further witnesses were called by the board’s counsel. With Burns absent, no witnesses were called to testify on her behalf. At around 1:15 p.m., Lucas, Midkiff and Tinder exited the room and the board members began their deliberations on the matter inside. The board’s open proceedings resumed at 1:42 p.m. with President Priestley reading a motion to ratify the suspension of Burns without pay, and ratify her termination, all as recommended by Lucas. The motion was offered by Gary McCallister and seconded by Vice President Fred Curry. All five members approved the motion. In a separate allegation contained in Burns letter, the teacher leveled accusations regarding test cheating against staff at one school in the county. Burns said she had a responsibility to report these practices to the board. She referred to "continued, widespread and pervasive cheating on standardized tests by some teachers and administrators” at the school. Burns further alleged that there has been "major misuse of federal and state funds” because students are not provided services to which they are entitled. No further specifics were offered by Burns in her letter regarding the two allegations.



The initial termination notice to Burns was dated January 25, 2013. Until that date, Burns had been teaching at Guyan Valley Middle School. The suspension by Lucas was effective immediately and without pay. Lucas further recommended to the board that Burns’ employment with the school system be terminated. As is usual, the specific grounds for dismissal leveled against Burns have not been revealed by Lucas or her central office team. Furthermore, board members are precluded from discussing the hearing conducted behind closed doors.Speaking to The Lincoln Journal, Friday morning last, Assistant Superintendent Midkiff said that any allegation of cheating is taken seriously by the school system. He said such allegations would always be investigated thoroughly. However, Midkiff said he was unclear as to what Burns was specifically alleging in terms of cheating. Reader Opinions Cindy

MAR 25 • I support you, Kelli. I graduated from Hamlin High School in 1993. I will never return to Lincoln County. It is full of trash and corrupt morons. I am so thankful to be raising my son elsewhere.

deborah

MAR 24 • I worked in West Virginia for four years as a teacher and I know how corrupt their politics are. I was hired as a gifted teacher. All the money I was supposed to get was taken by the school. They gave me used folders and had me teach out in the hall. I ended up getting a second job to buy school supplies for my classes!

Judy Barker

MAR 22 • I wanted to share this comment with everyone. This is a comment from one of my former students who has graduated from college with a BA degree. She is a extremely bright student who is strongly against the trashing of others who are different. There are many, many times that I have to hold my tongue on Facebook over ridiculous remarks and shared pictures, but I can't right now, so here it goes - I'm from southern WV, born and raised, and I am so beyond disgusted with this attitude. I wish I could say this is an isolated incident, but I would be lying to myself. I watch every day as people post rude and inappropriate comments about race, religion, politics, sexual orientation, and disabilities, and you wonder why everyone thinks we are backwards, inbred hillbillies? It's because we act like this, and we allow this garbage to pass as news. Quick lesson - a fact is something that we can prove (ex. 1 mile = 5,280 ft), and an opinion is what you think (ex. your shirt is ugly). If you believe this way, and trust me, I read your posts so I know some of you do, please do us a favor and keep it to yourself because I, along with many others, believe in living in a country that embraces all of its people and their differences and couldn't care less about your narrow-minded, bigoted, ignorant opinions. Just in case you're not aware, this country is changing, and idiots like this guy are in the minority, regardless of what Fox News tells you. Also, last but not least, our President is black and in charge, so get over it. End rant.

Jack in Michigan

MAR 21 • Kelli, I am so sorry you have been subjected to this indignity and injustice. It just goes to show that even as we as a nation continue to move forward, there are lunatic elements that are stuck in the past and wish to impose their fascist, tea party vision on the nation. May the USA someday be free of the hatred and intolerance of the hatemongering right.

Steve

MAR 21 • Crap like that wouldn't happen with elected school boards that are controlled by fundamentalist Christians. It's a stupid idea that really serves no purpose.

Derek Williams

MAR 21 • Without hearing the other side of the story, Ms Burns comes across very well in this interview. Articulate, friendly and direct, not militant or aggressive in any sense I could detect. The figures she cites of 25 positive self-identifying to every 1 anonymous are telling indeed. As for "trying to turn kids gay", that is clearly ridiculous. Snake-oil salesmen have been trying to turn gay people straight for millennia with zero success. You are what you are.

Andrea Soccorsi

MAR 21 • Kelli Burns is one of my oldest friends from graduate school at WVU. She was one of the best and brightest among us-a dedicated student, a hard worker, and fierce friend. Her knowledge of art history and her contribution to the world of ideas make her more than qualified to teach high school students, but the power of teaching lies in a teacher's ability to make education a transformative experience. Indeed, it is through knowledge and education that we transform our lives, and I believe that Kelli tried to instill that precept into her students. Her firing is a sad comment not only on the educational system, but of the nature of democracy itself.

Eddie

MAR 21 • Hello, I'm an Community Organizer with GETEQUAL.. talking about the importance of ENDA.. and the ENDA E.O workplace protections for LGB and T people ... this is an interesting development.

terry

MAR 21 • I am glad that I did not apply to be a teacher in West Virginia. I could be railroaded like this poor teacher. I do not know this teacher but I do suspect that the charges are untrue. I have seen this type of behavior by schools in Kentucky, in that case the teacher was terminated to make room for a popular local college grad. I see Lincoln County school using the same tactics and that is sad. The school board should be concerned with supporting the teachers to provide the best education for the students. Several comments have stated that this retaliation for whistle blowing, again a sad commentary about the school board and their priorities. Hope the government steps in and corrects this or the voters take control of the board. There is power in voting. Vote the current board out get a petition for an emergency election for new board members. They obviously are not listening to the students or the teachers. Stand up people and get people on the board that cares about the children and their education.

jennifer

MAR 20 • my son went to guyan valley an he was bullied because he gay an quit school because nothing was been done to stop the bulling.but that didnt stop my son from getting his ged.so i know what mrs burn is going through.just because some people are diffrent doesnt mean you have to fire someone because there gay.there is only one judge and thats the good lord above so dont fire someone if there doing there job because your not hurting no one but the kids we as parents wants the best for all our kids.so stop and put this teacher back in her class room.

Amy Toney

MAR 20 • I think this thing with Mrs. Kelli Burns is a crock of horse sh**.She is the only teacher at Harts Pre-K 8 that had the time and effort to teach my children. I had a boy and a girl in her class. She never done anything or said anything out of the way to my kids. Harts schools are a joke and most of the teachers need a lesson in how to raise and treat children. as far as i am concerned all the teachers and all the staff in that school need firing. They teach our KIDS NOTHING!!!!!!

Stephanie Enochs

MAR 20 • I do not personally know Ms. Burns, but I have known students that she has taught, none of which had anything negative to say. White power, homophobia and ignorance is still being allowed to reign supreme in Lincoln County...those are not trademarks of being a Christian...no matter what is said regarding that particular philosophy! I will continue to live here and try to make amends, rather than move away and never look back, because I believe one person and one act of bravery does count.

Anna Elfenbein

MAR 19 • People who know Kelli Burns as I do will be outraged. If it comes to it, Kelli has countless numbers of people like myself who will bear witness in court to her high character, her intelligence, her dedication to learning and teaching, and her honesty. Although I must know more before making charges against the Lincoln County administrators who have taken action against her, it appears that she has suffered because she is a whistle blower who has challenged their misappropriation of federal and state funds for education and their manipulation of their students' test scores--and not because of her sexual orientation. But whatever the case, those who have denied her due process and fired her stand to lose and lose big in court. Kelli's students have already lost and will continue to lose until she returns to her classroom. I hope that she will be able to return to teaching soon because it is dedicated teachers like her who are helping us to address through education the problems we confront as a society.

Bonita Fowler

MAR 19 • Kelli I support you 100% in what ever you choose to do. The Board of Education has been pushing people around for a long time. Me included. I was treated badly the short time I worked there. The people who testified against you are just trying to ride coat tails to get a better position at the boards office. They make me sick! We all need to remember "let the first one without sin throw the first stone" I know of several occasions when people should have been fired and the board gave them plans of improvement. Who gave them the right to play with peoples lives that way. We went to HS together and I have always thought of you as a kind, funny, and all around good person. If the board wants to do something they should take control of our High School. I am strongly up set with the Board of Education. They need to pay more attention to the kids needs than what teachers do or dont do after work.

Randal Johnson

MAR 18 • Sad. This is what happens when you speak out and they realize you're not gonna look the other way while those in power exercise corruption. This is a whistle-blower case. All the talk of gays etc. is just a distraction. They obviously used it as the excuse, they were already looking for a reason, and the controversial "play" gave the ammo they needed to get rid of her. Being a bit more careful would have been not doing the play in this way. There are plenty of subjects to do plays on. It just gave them the chance to push her out. Sounds like from her students that she's a good teacher. I personally don't think people's sexuality should be discussed at the workplace such as this. Of course in Lincoln County word is gonna get around anyway. To the nasty racist call-in gripe, that was either staged or the person griping is so senile and racist that there is no helping her, old age will get her eventually and we can all go on without hearing about it. To the girl complaining about Lincoln County being nothing but rednecks and "ghettos," you need to get out more because most people here are really good people, sure there are a few that aren't very well educated, at least in books, but you'll find if you give people a chance everyone has their specialties, it sounds like you just had a bad experience and you're not done ranting about it. If you hate Lincoln County so much, just go somewhere else. It's a free country. I hope you get your job back Kelli and do a good job teaching the kids. And as for the school board, along with most of the other elected officials in Hamlin, well we all know they've deprived Lincoln County of fair elections so long, and not only have they taken those positions of power and abused them as they wish, but they've put their family members in positions with good paying jobs and denied others of the chance to have those jobs, and swayed money to go to their buddies whether it be jobs contracted for the county or whatever. The truth will come out eventually the millions of dollars that should have been put into Lincoln County's infrastructure instead of put into people's pockets. County sheriffs and people that are expressly forbidden to buy properties for delinquent taxes have been buying it up for years, decades even, and there's where it all goes back to, money and power, and real estate. Lincoln County is right between Charleston and Huntington. There should be all kinds of jobs here that provide services to the workers in the cities, but there aren't. The only jobs in Lincoln seem to be gov't jobs and a few gas stations and restaurants and a couple of grocery stores and hardware parts, just about the bare minimum. So people stay poor and keep losing family property to taxes and the sheriff, and the corrupt keep getting wealthier. That's ok because some of us don't put our treasures here on earth, where things rot and waste away. God bless you all.

Aaron Johnson

MAR 18 • Yet another reason why I will never return to the filth knows as Lincoln County West Virginia. I was harassed by teachers and administration of the school system for my religious beliefs. Lincoln County is, was, and always will be a disgrace to humanity. I encourage all to get out and never look back!

Judy Barker

MAR 18 • I am here to attest to the fact that bullying does go on in schools, especially with teachers. I am appalled at this accusation against an esteemed teacher that I have know for many years. She is the smartest teacher I have ever worked with, or for that matter, ever known. I think that some teachers are so jealous of other teachers, they will do anything to destroy them. So sad that they have tried to destroy such a respected and admired teacher, but it happens all the time due to jealousy or the fact that one teacher does not like another one. Sad

RAA

MAR 18 • Principles are known to assign low scoring students to classrooms of less favourable teachers.So the scale could be tipped as to a teachers advancement or not.

WV Super Girl 78

MAR 17 • Lincoln County, West Virginia, is mostly ignorant racist, bigots, among other things. I grew up there, but I have to explain their uneducated and ignorant behaviors and attitudes to those not familiar with the area. There are many ghettos, white trash, slums, and other horrible places in the world, but Lincoln County, West Virginia, ranks right up there at the top. I feel so sorry for the good people of the county. Yes, there are some good people and families, but I think they receive special treatment and care about as much as those good people in the city do about those living in the ghettos. Thank God my parents taught me far more than I ever learned in any Lincoln County school. What a horrible place for children, unless you have money. And they wonder why they have an illegal drug epidemic? Really? That's all they have to look forward to in that horrible county. They still have cousins marrying cousins and are an embarrassment to the rest of the state.

R. Adkins

MAR 16 • Well, Thanks to the school board I now know what kind of county I live and work in. I have to keep my job here, but soon my daughter will be starting school and I certainly don't want her going to school here. I am about to buy a house and was looking close to West Hamlin, where I work. Now I will look outside this county. I want my child to go to a school where she can feel and actually be free. Free to be herself, have her own beliefs and be friends with who she wants. More importantly, I want her to have morals and ethics. I want her to be the kind of child who stands up for others when they see someone bullied. I want her to be the kind of girl who doesn't let others get away with cheating just because they are more popular or powerful than her. I want her to live in a place where she can do both and not be punished for it. Clearly, that place is NOT Lincoln County.

Stanley Blow

MAR 15 • The fact that a boy wearing a dress can be considered "traumatizing," says something about this country. My sister dressed me in a dress when I was young. Should I sue her?

student

MAR 15 • I was Burns students in middle I think Mrs. Burns was a great teacher for all of us she was trashed by a someone n they made some of the guys sign things against her. It sucked. She was cool and a great person. miss her she is awesome

Ms. Burns's fans and ex students

MAR 15 • We a group of Ms. Kelli Burns's former students now in college, married, in the military, etc. We are writing in support of her, that she was a great teacher, person and role model. We don't care whether she is gay or what but she was a great person who prepared us for life after high school. We love her as a teacher and a role model for anybody.

Kelli Burns

MAR 15 • C'mon "Unhappy Mother" sign your real name. The rest of us do. People who make libelous accusations under fake names are less than low. Have the guts to sign your real name. I have plenty of supporters, many of them students and parents from GVMS and other schools over the years who go on record with their real names in support of me. Thanks to everyone who has come out in support of me. The rest of you, you had better make sure you are willing to stand behind your accusations in a court of law. If you are willing to put forth your real name, that is.

Unhappy Mother

MAR 15 • I have read these comments and I wonder how many of you have had students in Ms. Burns' class? I for one have. I can tell you that I will go to court on behalf of the board because my child, who is a minor, has had nightmares over the stupid, idiotic things that Ms. Burns' has said and done to him. Who cares what her sexual orientation is? For 8 hours a day she is employed to teach children and take their safety into her hands. Guess what??? That did not happen. She did unexcusable things. She had the boys to dress in prom gowns for a play, she showed them inappropriate pictures and material on her school issued ipad, she told the students about accusations and law suits she was pursuing against other staff members, etc. The list could go on for days. As for the test results....LET ME SEE THEM!!!! I know for a fact that students that had her were tested when the new LTS was put into place and they were at least 2 levels behind everyone else in the same grade. Come on people open your eyes. This is not the "good ole boy" system, gay/lesbian haters, this is 5 Board Members, a Superintendent, an Assistant Superintendent, and Board Attorney trying to put the education and well being of students first. I applaud all 8 of them for doing the proper thing. If Ms. Burns' insist on having a law suit against them because she feels they fired hire due to trying to turn students gay, well maybe the Board needs to contact some parents of the GVMS students that she has not educated and done so wrongly with. I can name 4 or 5 parents right now that would go to court and testify. So, THANK YOU Central Office team, Board Attorney, and Board Members for taking someone like her out of the classroom. I applaud you and I think there are a couple more just like her that need the same done to them!!!!!!

Brandon Allison

MAR 15 • This is why I believe that the anti bullying and anti discrimination is such bs. we say that we do not discriminate by race, color, or SEXUAL ORIENTATION. You are suppose to be an equal opportunity employer.Just because you don't agree with someone being gay doesn't mean that you drag them through the mud to make yourself feel better. If you can give a reason for her to be fired then find a reason of something she did wrong not make allegations as to trying to make students turn gay. This is why i don't think we do enough to stop all of this. Bullying has gotten worse and worse and kids are being more abusive to other people wither they are adults or not.

MAR 15 • Ms. Burns, like any good teacher, knows that her students are watching and works tirelessly for their brighter futures. If she chooses to fight, I suspect her motivation would not be for money but for fairness, dignity and to move her county toward a state of greater transparency.

Stephanie

MAR 15 • First of all I would one to say congrats to be person referring to homosexuals as "the gays". You have not only proven yourself unqualified to comment on this article but also more than highly qualified to be a productive member of Lincoln county society with your wonderful intellect. I despise this with every ounce of my being. We are all human beings, we are all family. I grew up in LC and thank god I don't live there anymore because I might end up dead by my own hand having to live around you senseless people. Seriously, how do you even live with yourselves!?! How can you go to sleep at night having hate for another human being simply because they aren't afraid to be themselves, whoever that may be. Let it go, let her go, to do what she needs to do, EDUCATE the youth. They can use all the help they can get.

Travis Saunders

MAR 15 • I am not shocked nor surprised. This is area is full of bigots who can't stand to live in the same county as someone who is a different race or sexual orientation as they are. You can't turn someone gay, just like you can't turn someone straight. Being gay isn't a "lifestyle" either. The gay "lifestyle" is just the same as a straight person's lifestyle, with exception to the sex of their significant other. I hope she gets the ACLU involved in this.

Rainey Duke

MAR 14 • This becomes more and more pathetic. What stupid charges - forcing students to view nude photos of her and 'turning them gay." Ridiculous! I hope Kelli sues the school board big time. I would like to see those "accusers" be cross-examined by a lawyer. I have known her for 25 years and am just so sorry that one of my best and brightest students has been treated so shamelessly.

RAA

MAR 14 • We have gay children in our schools.They have more rights than straights.Proof in point is how they are allowed to make contact with each other.Yet if told not to, as school rules state,they cry discrimination.After gays outside a classroom were kissing.A sign was placed "No Kissing."That teacher was made to take it down because it was offensive to them. So what rights are equal without the educated complying to all.Are they so distracted or shocked?Let us move on.Knowing is half the battle.

Cindy

MAR 14 • I hope this lady ends up owning Lincoln County. This is ridiculous. Makes me glad to be away from WV.

Claudia Martin

MAR 14 • I have know Kelli Burns for quite a while and I know that she would never try to "turn anyone gay" or show anyone pictures of herself unclothed. This is business is a disgusting display of ignorance and bigotry, not least bit surprising considering the source. I hope Kelli goes after them in court because she will win.

Jeanne Mozier

MAR 14 • After years of being managed by the state because of its inadequacies in virtually every area, the Lincoln County School Board proves they have not improved at all. Shame on them. I pity the poor kids in Lincoln County having to endure the pretense of being educated in such an ignorant and bigoted environment. No wonder they want to flee as soon as they are able.

Brad Kalinoski

MAR 14 • Pathetic. Another reason why I regret moving to WV. Its proof that bigotry, ignorance, and homophobics exist as a large portion of the population of this state and its pathetic. A state that is last at everything, but yet first in pure ignorance.

Justin Murdock

MAR 14 • One's sexual orientation should not be allowed to be brought into their termination of employment. There is RIGHT NOW a bill in the WV house, HB2856 that would protect WV employees from discrimination based on sexual orientation. Call your delegates and get this passed for JUST this sort of nonsense. If she needed fired, come up with a real reason.

Robin James

MAR 14 • Clearly this is the fabulous "good ole boy " network of Lincoln county at work again. How many teachers have been ridiculed for trying to "turn students straight "? It sounds ridiculous. Just as ridiculous and absurd as accusing Ms. Burns of trying to persuade the sexuality of any child. Seriously what is the root of the problem? What was the purpose/benefit of dragging someone's personal life through a series of hearings. Why is it no one is discussing Ms. Burns achievements or positive contributions to the school system? I support Ms. Burns and truly hope she sues the homophobic pants off of the BOE!

Cindie Beach

MAR 14 • This is an obvious retaliatory process for Ms. Burns 'catching' them at cheating and misappropriation of funds. Idiots - people are born LGBTQ. No one 'turns' them into anything. this is obvious discrimination and bullying. I hope the ACLU gets invoved in this case. She could also call Lambda Legal in DC. They fight for the rights of LGBTQ persons. Unconscionable behavior by a bunch of redneck bigots!

submit your comments

MAR 25 • I support you, Kelli. I graduated from Hamlin High School in 1993. I will never return to Lincoln County. It is full of trash and corrupt morons. I am so thankful to be raising my son elsewhere.MAR 24 • I worked in West Virginia for four years as a teacher and I know how corrupt their politics are. I was hired as a gifted teacher. All the money I was supposed to get was taken by the school. They gave me used folders and had me teach out in the hall. I ended up getting a second job to buy school supplies for my classes!MAR 22 • I wanted to share this comment with everyone. This is a comment from one of my former students who has graduated from college with a BA degree. She is a extremely bright student who is strongly against the trashing of others who are different. There are many, many times that I have to hold my tongue on Facebook over ridiculous remarks and shared pictures, but I can't right now, so here it goes - I'm from southern WV, born and raised, and I am so beyond disgusted with this attitude. I wish I could say this is an isolated incident, but I would be lying to myself. I watch every day as people post rude and inappropriate comments about race, religion, politics, sexual orientation, and disabilities, and you wonder why everyone thinks we are backwards, inbred hillbillies? It's because we act like this, and we allow this garbage to pass as news. Quick lesson - a fact is something that we can prove (ex. 1 mile = 5,280 ft), and an opinion is what you think (ex. your shirt is ugly). If you believe this way, and trust me, I read your posts so I know some of you do, please do us a favor and keep it to yourself because I, along with many others, believe in living in a country that embraces all of its people and their differences and couldn't care less about your narrow-minded, bigoted, ignorant opinions. Just in case you're not aware, this country is changing, and idiots like this guy are in the minority, regardless of what Fox News tells you. Also, last but not least, our President is black and in charge, so get over it. End rant.MAR 21 • Kelli, I am so sorry you have been subjected to this indignity and injustice. It just goes to show that even as we as a nation continue to move forward, there are lunatic elements that are stuck in the past and wish to impose their fascist, tea party vision on the nation. May the USA someday be free of the hatred and intolerance of the hatemongering right.MAR 21 • Crap like that wouldn't happen with elected school boards that are controlled by fundamentalist Christians. It's a stupid idea that really serves no purpose.MAR 21 • Without hearing the other side of the story, Ms Burns comes across very well in this interview. Articulate, friendly and direct, not militant or aggressive in any sense I could detect. The figures she cites of 25 positive self-identifying to every 1 anonymous are telling indeed. As for "trying to turn kids gay", that is clearly ridiculous. Snake-oil salesmen have been trying to turn gay people straight for millennia with zero success. You are what you are.MAR 21 • Kelli Burns is one of my oldest friends from graduate school at WVU. She was one of the best and brightest among us-a dedicated student, a hard worker, and fierce friend. Her knowledge of art history and her contribution to the world of ideas make her more than qualified to teach high school students, but the power of teaching lies in a teacher's ability to make education a transformative experience. Indeed, it is through knowledge and education that we transform our lives, and I believe that Kelli tried to instill that precept into her students. Her firing is a sad comment not only on the educational system, but of the nature of democracy itself.MAR 21 • Hello, I'm an Community Organizer with GETEQUAL.. talking about the importance of ENDA.. and the ENDA E.O workplace protections for LGB and T people ... this is an interesting development.MAR 21 • I am glad that I did not apply to be a teacher in West Virginia. I could be railroaded like this poor teacher. I do not know this teacher but I do suspect that the charges are untrue. I have seen this type of behavior by schools in Kentucky, in that case the teacher was terminated to make room for a popular local college grad. I see Lincoln County school using the same tactics and that is sad. The school board should be concerned with supporting the teachers to provide the best education for the students. Several comments have stated that this retaliation for whistle blowing, again a sad commentary about the school board and their priorities. Hope the government steps in and corrects this or the voters take control of the board. There is power in voting. Vote the current board out get a petition for an emergency election for new board members. They obviously are not listening to the students or the teachers. Stand up people and get people on the board that cares about the children and their education.MAR 20 • my son went to guyan valley an he was bullied because he gay an quit school because nothing was been done to stop the bulling.but that didnt stop my son from getting his ged.so i know what mrs burn is going through.just because some people are diffrent doesnt mean you have to fire someone because there gay.there is only one judge and thats the good lord above so dont fire someone if there doing there job because your not hurting no one but the kids we as parents wants the best for all our kids.so stop and put this teacher back in her class room.MAR 20 • I think this thing with Mrs. Kelli Burns is a crock of horse sh**.She is the only teacher at Harts Pre-K 8 that had the time and effort to teach my children. I had a boy and a girl in her class. She never done anything or said anything out of the way to my kids. Harts schools are a joke and most of the teachers need a lesson in how to raise and treat children. as far as i am concerned all the teachers and all the staff in that school need firing. They teach our KIDS NOTHING!!!!!!MAR 20 • I do not personally know Ms. Burns, but I have known students that she has taught, none of which had anything negative to say. White power, homophobia and ignorance is still being allowed to reign supreme in Lincoln County...those are not trademarks of being a Christian...no matter what is said regarding that particular philosophy! I will continue to live here and try to make amends, rather than move away and never look back, because I believe one person and one act of bravery does count.MAR 19 • People who know Kelli Burns as I do will be outraged. If it comes to it, Kelli has countless numbers of people like myself who will bear witness in court to her high character, her intelligence, her dedication to learning and teaching, and her honesty. Although I must know more before making charges against the Lincoln County administrators who have taken action against her, it appears that she has suffered because she is a whistle blower who has challenged their misappropriation of federal and state funds for education and their manipulation of their students' test scores--and not because of her sexual orientation. But whatever the case, those who have denied her due process and fired her stand to lose and lose big in court. Kelli's students have already lost and will continue to lose until she returns to her classroom. I hope that she will be able to return to teaching soon because it is dedicated teachers like her who are helping us to address through education the problems we confront as a society.MAR 19 • Kelli I support you 100% in what ever you choose to do. The Board of Education has been pushing people around for a long time. Me included. I was treated badly the short time I worked there. The people who testified against you are just trying to ride coat tails to get a better position at the boards office. They make me sick! We all need to remember "let the first one without sin throw the first stone" I know of several occasions when people should have been fired and the board gave them plans of improvement. Who gave them the right to play with peoples lives that way. We went to HS together and I have always thought of you as a kind, funny, and all around good person. If the board wants to do something they should take control of our High School. I am strongly up set with the Board of Education. They need to pay more attention to the kids needs than what teachers do or dont do after work.MAR 18 • Sad. This is what happens when you speak out and they realize you're not gonna look the other way while those in power exercise corruption. This is a whistle-blower case. All the talk of gays etc. is just a distraction. They obviously used it as the excuse, they were already looking for a reason, and the controversial "play" gave the ammo they needed to get rid of her. Being a bit more careful would have been not doing the play in this way. There are plenty of subjects to do plays on. It just gave them the chance to push her out. Sounds like from her students that she's a good teacher. I personally don't think people's sexuality should be discussed at the workplace such as this. Of course in Lincoln County word is gonna get around anyway. To the nasty racist call-in gripe, that was either staged or the person griping is so senile and racist that there is no helping her, old age will get her eventually and we can all go on without hearing about it. To the girl complaining about Lincoln County being nothing but rednecks and "ghettos," you need to get out more because most people here are really good people, sure there are a few that aren't very well educated, at least in books, but you'll find if you give people a chance everyone has their specialties, it sounds like you just had a bad experience and you're not done ranting about it. If you hate Lincoln County so much, just go somewhere else. It's a free country. I hope you get your job back Kelli and do a good job teaching the kids. And as for the school board, along with most of the other elected officials in Hamlin, well we all know they've deprived Lincoln County of fair elections so long, and not only have they taken those positions of power and abused them as they wish, but they've put their family members in positions with good paying jobs and denied others of the chance to have those jobs, and swayed money to go to their buddies whether it be jobs contracted for the county or whatever. The truth will come out eventually the millions of dollars that should have been put into Lincoln County's infrastructure instead of put into people's pockets. County sheriffs and people that are expressly forbidden to buy properties for delinquent taxes have been buying it up for years, decades even, and there's where it all goes back to, money and power, and real estate. Lincoln County is right between Charleston and Huntington. There should be all kinds of jobs here that provide services to the workers in the cities, but there aren't. The only jobs in Lincoln seem to be gov't jobs and a few gas stations and restaurants and a couple of grocery stores and hardware parts, just about the bare minimum. So people stay poor and keep losing family property to taxes and the sheriff, and the corrupt keep getting wealthier. That's ok because some of us don't put our treasures here on earth, where things rot and waste away. God bless you all.MAR 18 • Yet another reason why I will never return to the filth knows as Lincoln County West Virginia. I was harassed by teachers and administration of the school system for my religious beliefs. Lincoln County is, was, and always will be a disgrace to humanity. I encourage all to get out and never look back!MAR 18 • I am here to attest to the fact that bullying does go on in schools, especially with teachers. I am appalled at this accusation against an esteemed teacher that I have know for many years. She is the smartest teacher I have ever worked with, or for that matter, ever known. I think that some teachers are so jealous of other teachers, they will do anything to destroy them. So sad that they have tried to destroy such a respected and admired teacher, but it happens all the time due to jealousy or the fact that one teacher does not like another one. SadMAR 18 • Principles are known to assign low scoring students to classrooms of less favourable teachers.So the scale could be tipped as to a teachers advancement or not.MAR 17 • Lincoln County, West Virginia, is mostly ignorant racist, bigots, among other things. I grew up there, but I have to explain their uneducated and ignorant behaviors and attitudes to those not familiar with the area. There are many ghettos, white trash, slums, and other horrible places in the world, but Lincoln County, West Virginia, ranks right up there at the top. I feel so sorry for the good people of the county. Yes, there are some good people and families, but I think they receive special treatment and care about as much as those good people in the city do about those living in the ghettos. Thank God my parents taught me far more than I ever learned in any Lincoln County school. What a horrible place for children, unless you have money. And they wonder why they have an illegal drug epidemic? Really? That's all they have to look forward to in that horrible county. They still have cousins marrying cousins and are an embarrassment to the rest of the state.MAR 16 • Well, Thanks to the school board I now know what kind of county I live and work in. I have to keep my job here, but soon my daughter will be starting school and I certainly don't want her going to school here. I am about to buy a house and was looking close to West Hamlin, where I work. Now I will look outside this county. I want my child to go to a school where she can feel and actually be free. Free to be herself, have her own beliefs and be friends with who she wants. More importantly, I want her to have morals and ethics. I want her to be the kind of child who stands up for others when they see someone bullied. I want her to be the kind of girl who doesn't let others get away with cheating just because they are more popular or powerful than her. I want her to live in a place where she can do both and not be punished for it. Clearly, that place is NOT Lincoln County.MAR 15 • The fact that a boy wearing a dress can be considered "traumatizing," says something about this country. My sister dressed me in a dress when I was young. Should I sue her?MAR 15 • I was Burns students in middle I think Mrs. Burns was a great teacher for all of us she was trashed by a someone n they made some of the guys sign things against her. It sucked. She was cool and a great person. miss her she is awesomeMAR 15 • We a group of Ms. Kelli Burns's former students now in college, married, in the military, etc. We are writing in support of her, that she was a great teacher, person and role model. We don't care whether she is gay or what but she was a great person who prepared us for life after high school. We love her as a teacher and a role model for anybody.MAR 15 • C'mon "Unhappy Mother" sign your real name. The rest of us do. People who make libelous accusations under fake names are less than low. Have the guts to sign your real name. I have plenty of supporters, many of them students and parents from GVMS and other schools over the years who go on record with their real names in support of me. Thanks to everyone who has come out in support of me. The rest of you, you had better make sure you are willing to stand behind your accusations in a court of law. If you are willing to put forth your real name, that is.MAR 15 • I have read these comments and I wonder how many of you have had students in Ms. Burns' class? I for one have. I can tell you that I will go to court on behalf of the board because my child, who is a minor, has had nightmares over the stupid, idiotic things that Ms. Burns' has said and done to him. Who cares what her sexual orientation is? For 8 hours a day she is employed to teach children and take their safety into her hands. Guess what??? That did not happen. She did unexcusable things. She had the boys to dress in prom gowns for a play, she showed them inappropriate pictures and material on her school issued ipad, she told the students about accusations and law suits she was pursuing against other staff members, etc. The list could go on for days. As for the test results....LET ME SEE THEM!!!! I know for a fact that students that had her were tested when the new LTS was put into place and they were at least 2 levels behind everyone else in the same grade. Come on people open your eyes. This is not the "good ole boy" system, gay/lesbian haters, this is 5 Board Members, a Superintendent, an Assistant Superintendent, and Board Attorney trying to put the education and well being of students first. I applaud all 8 of them for doing the proper thing. If Ms. Burns' insist on having a law suit against them because she feels they fired hire due to trying to turn students gay, well maybe the Board needs to contact some parents of the GVMS students that she has not educated and done so wrongly with. I can name 4 or 5 parents right now that would go to court and testify. So, THANK YOU Central Office team, Board Attorney, and Board Members for taking someone like her out of the classroom. I applaud you and I think there are a couple more just like her that need the same done to them!!!!!!MAR 15 • This is why I believe that the anti bullying and anti discrimination is such bs. we say that we do not discriminate by race, color, or SEXUAL ORIENTATION. You are suppose to be an equal opportunity employer.Just because you don't agree with someone being gay doesn't mean that you drag them through the mud to make yourself feel better. If you can give a reason for her to be fired then find a reason of something she did wrong not make allegations as to trying to make students turn gay. This is why i don't think we do enough to stop all of this. Bullying has gotten worse and worse and kids are being more abusive to other people wither they are adults or not.MAR 15 • Ms. Burns, like any good teacher, knows that her students are watching and works tirelessly for their brighter futures. If she chooses to fight, I suspect her motivation would not be for money but for fairness, dignity and to move her county toward a state of greater transparency.MAR 15 • First of all I would one to say congrats to be person referring to homosexuals as "the gays". You have not only proven yourself unqualified to comment on this article but also more than highly qualified to be a productive member of Lincoln county society with your wonderful intellect. I despise this with every ounce of my being. We are all human beings, we are all family. I grew up in LC and thank god I don't live there anymore because I might end up dead by my own hand having to live around you senseless people. Seriously, how do you even live with yourselves!?! How can you go to sleep at night having hate for another human being simply because they aren't afraid to be themselves, whoever that may be. Let it go, let her go, to do what she needs to do, EDUCATE the youth. They can use all the help they can get.MAR 15 • I am not shocked nor surprised. This is area is full of bigots who can't stand to live in the same county as someone who is a different race or sexual orientation as they are. You can't turn someone gay, just like you can't turn someone straight. Being gay isn't a "lifestyle" either. The gay "lifestyle" is just the same as a straight person's lifestyle, with exception to the sex of their significant other. I hope she gets the ACLU involved in this.MAR 14 • This becomes more and more pathetic. What stupid charges - forcing students to view nude photos of her and 'turning them gay." Ridiculous! I hope Kelli sues the school board big time. I would like to see those "accusers" be cross-examined by a lawyer. I have known her for 25 years and am just so sorry that one of my best and brightest students has been treated so shamelessly.MAR 14 • We have gay children in our schools.They have more rights than straights.Proof in point is how they are allowed to make contact with each other.Yet if told not to, as school rules state,they cry discrimination.After gays outside a classroom were kissing.A sign was placed "No Kissing."That teacher was made to take it down because it was offensive to them. So what rights are equal without the educated complying to all.Are they so distracted or shocked?Let us move on.Knowing is half the battle.MAR 14 • I hope this lady ends up owning Lincoln County. This is ridiculous. Makes me glad to be away from WV.MAR 14 • I have know Kelli Burns for quite a while and I know that she would never try to "turn anyone gay" or show anyone pictures of herself unclothed. This is business is a disgusting display of ignorance and bigotry, not least bit surprising considering the source. I hope Kelli goes after them in court because she will win.MAR 14 • After years of being managed by the state because of its inadequacies in virtually every area, the Lincoln County School Board proves they have not improved at all. Shame on them. I pity the poor kids in Lincoln County having to endure the pretense of being educated in such an ignorant and bigoted environment. No wonder they want to flee as soon as they are able.MAR 14 • Pathetic. Another reason why I regret moving to WV. Its proof that bigotry, ignorance, and homophobics exist as a large portion of the population of this state and its pathetic. A state that is last at everything, but yet first in pure ignorance.MAR 14 • One's sexual orientation should not be allowed to be brought into their termination of employment. There is RIGHT NOW a bill in the WV house, HB2856 that would protect WV employees from discrimination based on sexual orientation. Call your delegates and get this passed for JUST this sort of nonsense. If she needed fired, come up with a real reason.MAR 14 • Clearly this is the fabulous "good ole boy " network of Lincoln county at work again. How many teachers have been ridiculed for trying to "turn students straight "? It sounds ridiculous. Just as ridiculous and absurd as accusing Ms. Burns of trying to persuade the sexuality of any child. Seriously what is the root of the problem? What was the purpose/benefit of dragging someone's personal life through a series of hearings. Why is it no one is discussing Ms. Burns achievements or positive contributions to the school system? I support Ms. Burns and truly hope she sues the homophobic pants off of the BOE!MAR 14 • This is an obvious retaliatory process for Ms. Burns 'catching' them at cheating and misappropriation of funds. Idiots - people are born LGBTQ. No one 'turns' them into anything. this is obvious discrimination and bullying. I hope the ACLU gets invoved in this case. She could also call Lambda Legal in DC. They fight for the rights of LGBTQ persons. Unconscionable behavior by a bunch of redneck bigots!