- Local every day in
According to Spring-Ford Area School District Superintendent David Goodin, Band Director John E. Eckstine Jr. has officially resigned from his position with the school. Goodin said Eckstine walked into school this morning, resigned and left. He had no further comment on the issue.
During his time at Spring-Ford, Eckstine led the Golden Ram Marching Band to the Tournament of Bands Group IV Atlantic Coast Championship five the last six years, the most recent coming in 2011.
The Pottstown Mercury broke a story on Thursday involving Eckstine and a Limerick woman, who were involved in what police called a "rolling domestic." The incident resulted in a vehicle accident in Lower Pottsgrove. Eckstine and the woman were both arrested on Wednesday night.
Throughout the day, Patch readers engaged in conversation on Facebook about Eckstine and the history of this incident. One band parent, Andreina Erwin, who also submits photos to Patch, went on the record about the situation.
"I've asked so many times to the Spring-Ford Music Association many times to ban this lady and her children from any activity that involves anything that has to do with Mr. Eckstine," Erwin said in an email. "I always told them that this was going to end in a bad situation."
Erwin and two anonymous sources confirmed Jacqueline M. Alegado, the woman involved in the incident, has two children in the band program. Erwin has two children of her own at Spring-Ford.
"I even was provoked by this lady once, involving my daughter, but I just prevented any situation and left the scene," Erwin continued. "I'm a witness on how last year in a football game Mrs. Alegado came up to the area where we were sitting down with the band to insult and attack Mr. Eckstine. In that opportunity I was the one who blocked her from getting to where he was. In the meantime she was screaming the 'F-word' like crazy. Police [were] called that night to the scene."
There was another incident, Erwin reported, where Alegado allegedly provoked another mother and "they ended up fighting, literally, [on] high school grounds."
Erwin said she was not happy with the school's handling of the situation.
"I'm not justifying Mr. Eckstine's reaction, but it has been years of harassment from this lady," she said. "I believe the school is at fault for not taking the necessary steps to avoid this type of situation."
Erwin and the anonymous sources claimed a restraining order was placed on Alegado, but that has not yet been confirmed with local police. Erwin closed with her disgust with the situation.
"From my point of view, we, the parents, music director, music staff, Music Association have been highjacked by this lady," she said. "Sadly the school board has not taken the right decision from the very beginning."
Facebook users were upset to hear that Eckstine would still be working at the school before the news of his resignation broke.
"First of all, knowing one of the parties," said Ruthi Reckard Huffman. "[Too] many issues to name. As far as the teacher, I have three kids still in the high school and as a [parent], I am NOT comfortable with any one who behaves in such a matter, being around my children or any other kids. And for those who cant always see the bigger picture, if two people push each others buttons to that extreme, do yourself a favor and walk away."
Students of Eckstine lashed back at the adults on the thread. Many users agreed Eckstine should no longer be employed by the school. User Laurel McLaughlin said, "You can't go around saying that he didn't act like an adult when you adults are gossipping like little school girls."
User Amanda Hoch defended Eckstine as a teacher and a man.
"Honestly, this article was extremely inaccurate," she said. "First of all, she was NOT his girlfriend, she had been harassing him for the past year and a half. And the fact that they didn't even bother to verify that with him before putting it on the front page of the newspaper disgusts me. He was probably the greatest teacher I've ever had, and the greatest man I've ever known. He taught me how to work hard, and always believed in me, as with the rest of the band. I respected him more than anyone else, especially after this year. No matter what he had been going through at the time (and there was a lot, trust me) he had stuck with us. He never gave up on us and pushed us to be the best we could be. I can honestly say that he was NEVER a bad influence on any of us, and that this whole situation has not changed the way anyone thought of him. He was more than just a band director to us, he was like family."
User Billie Hoch concluded the conversation as of 4:25 p.m., supporting the students.
"This is a terrible loss to the Spring-Ford Music department," she said. "Read the posts from these students. They are loyal, brave, and courageous. That does not come from a bad influence. They are wonderful traits to have. These young people have lost a lot. I am very proud of the Golden Rams Marching Band- champions on and off the field!"
Thanks. We'll email you the next time we update this story.
Kevin Haslam
4:54 pm on Friday, May 4, 2012
Article updated to reflect an error concerning Mrs. Alegado's children.
Horrible Behavior
12:45 am on Saturday, May 5, 2012
Kevin,
Are you or any of the students, or Ms. Erwin aware that Mr. Eckstine was suspended three times while non of them related to Mrs. Alegado.
1. 2 day suspension w/o pay for misuse of school funds.
2. September 3 day suspension w/o pay for talking to this women after he was told not too.
3. November 2011, 5 day suspension w/o pay for leaving over 150 students in Chicago while on a band trip and not having a full time member of school personnel with the children.
Was told if he made anymore mistakes his job would be termintated immediately. This was from Dr. Goodin and the Human Resource Director.
LOOKS LIKE NOONE REALLY KNEW MR. ECKSTINE!
I would not want my kids abandoned by their band director. FRIGHTENING!
Lori Smith
5:50 pm on Saturday, May 5, 2012
Not sure how this person would know this information. This is confidental information, and only someone with access at district office would be able to access it. So hopefully Horrible Behavior is not found out or they will loose their job as well.
Stephen Eickhoff
3:24 pm on Monday, May 7, 2012
"Horrible Behavior" = "EckstineIsGone".
Tara
4:54 pm on Monday, May 7, 2012
This is for Horrible Behavior - Where do you get your information? Before you go bashing someone, get your facts straight!
I know for a fact that the students were not abandoned in Chicago! He was there for the entire trip.
Anonymous User
6:54 pm on Friday, May 4, 2012
I completely agree with the kids. I myself am a student at Spring-Ford, as well as a member of the music program. Mr. Eckstine in all the time I have known him has been one of the greatest contributing factors to the overwhelming success of the band. He was a hard-faced man, but that is what made him so great. I am upset to see him go. Coming in in the mornings and not seeing him in the band room is something I will NEVER get used to. I am hoping this situation works itself out in his favor, because he deserves the best. I am rooting for you, Mr. Eckstine, and so are all your kids
Young Mr. Young
10:13 pm on Friday, May 4, 2012
A man made an honest mistake in judgement. It happens to the best of us. Having been a student of his, I can't say he was a perfect teacher. I can't say that about any of my teachers. He was under immense pressure which only intensified with our success. I commend him for sacrificing so much of his personal life for the shared success of so many. This is a clear result of that. I can say he pushed all of us to do great things with our talents, and I am very disappointed for allowing myself to lose touch with him over the years. He helped me through some very difficult times in my teenage years, in his own unique way, teaching me how to use my music to keep myself out of trouble. I really wish him the best, and am saddened that the school had to lose such a dedicated instructor.
Muhammad Ali
11:29 pm on Friday, May 4, 2012
He was a mean tyrant kind of a guy, and I'm glad to see him go. Hothead is paying for it now.
Horrible Behavior
12:48 am on Saturday, May 5, 2012
Life will go on without Eckstine.
Mhmmmm
1:57 am on Saturday, May 5, 2012
He was an inspiration, not a tyrant, Breh.
Kevin Haslam
7:35 am on Saturday, May 5, 2012
A comment has been deleted for inappropriate language. Thank you to all for your input. Accusations are accusations. If anyone is willing to go on the record as personal witnesses of this stuff, please email me at kevin.haslam@patch.com to set up an interview.
Jesse Barnhart
8:33 am on Monday, May 7, 2012
As an Alumnus of the SF Band, Mr. Eckstine was a man who taught me a sense of ambition, pride, and honor in music. As a Director, he was one of the best because forced us to practice, to learn, to understand, to apply our knowledge and to never accept anything but our best—lessons which got me through college and life. Some people didn't like him because he was brash and wouldn't allow his students to slack-off; however, this is why SF's band has excelled. He shaped & saved a broken program & made SF the envy of all PA bands. When people find out I am alumni of the SF band, I'm constantly questioned how a the band could be so amazing. I tell them it's because Mr. E knew what he was doing—he was up to date on teaching techniques and forever strove to improve his work. I'll admit he was flawed but I was taught long ago not to judge until I've "removed the plank from my own eye." Mr. Eckstine had an positive influence on hundreds of young lives which is far more than many of us can say about our selves. He may not have always followed the rules, but I challenge you to find one great leader who did. To all the parents who are appalled that such a “flawed” man could teach these children anything, your children aren't dumb—they know right and wrong, and none of them, as long as you were good parents, are going to be influenced by his poor life choices—they realize the difference of him as man and him as a teacher—I hope you can see that difference, too.
Jesse Barnhart
8:36 am on Monday, May 7, 2012
I would also like to say I feel terribly sorry for the students who will now be thrusted into the spot light of change. These students who have dedicate their heart and soul to music have lost the mentor who have gotten them to the pinnacle of their music careers thus far. They know what we know—they probably aren't going to be winning any more championships in the next couple of years or play as well as they have been unless by miracle the new band director can pick up right where Mr. Eckstine left off. My advice is for everybody to support these students, go to their performances and cheer them on. No matter what the music will be beautiful! We cannot forget about that, and most importantly we cannot let these recent events ruin the student's love of music.
Let music live on.
Tara
5:13 pm on Monday, May 7, 2012
Cheers to you Jesse! I don't think anyone could say it any better! I knew Mr. Eckstine as a fellow staff member, a person, and from being a band parent. Spring-Ford School District didn't handle this situation properly and unfortunately the students are the ones that will pay the ultimate price. When you go to a competition and Spring-Ford wins, you hear parents from other bands make comments like "figures", or "of course", or "they typically deserve it". When the band shows up to their competitions whether it be marching, parade, concert, or jazz you can just hear the other competitors sighing and saying oh well at least we'll get 2nd. Spring-Ford has become one of the best in their division, on the Atlantic Coast, and hopefully will be able to train the new director instead of the new director training them.
Voice of reason
8:35 pm on Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Although I would agree that it is horrible to see any teacher leave the students, I also believe that it is the sole responsibility of the students to now step up and maintain their championship status. I know for a fact that there are many other instructors who make that championship possible, and with with a new director who is willing to work with what already exists and the FULL support of the students, the championship status can be maintained. I fear though, that all this hoopla about the case will mean that many students will not give anybody "new" a chance and may lead to much lower numbers in the band. This in my opinion, is what will hurt the program, not losing a director.
ForgiveAll
11:09 pm on Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Matthew 6:14 For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you (attitude: forgive because you love the Lord)
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. (attitude: can love cover it?)
2 Corinthians 2:5-8 Now if anyone has caused pain, he has caused it not to me, but in some measure—not to put it too severely—to all of you. For such a one, this punishment by the majority is enough, so you should rather turn to forgive and comfort him, or he may be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. So I beg you to reaffirm your love for him. (attitude: stand ready to forgive)
Galatians 6:1-2 Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. (attitude: approach gently and stand ready to restore the relationship)
Ephesians 4:31-32 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.(attitude: loving and forgiving just like God forgave you)
Job Posting For Band Director
11:46 pm on Wednesday, May 9, 2012
OFFICIAL POSTING OFF OF SPRING FORD JOB POSTING WEBSITE:
Music Teacher/Band Director
Job Description
Spring-Ford Area School District, located in Royersford, Montgomery County is seeking applicants for an experienced Music Teacher/Band Director for our Senior High School (Grades 9-12) for the 2012-2013 school year. This position is responsible for guiding students to achieve musical expression and understanding; and to provide guidance and encouragement to help students benefit from their participation in the band program(s). This position also holds the extra-curricular position of marching band director.
The Spring-Ford Area School District's Golden Ram Marching Band is a highly successful program having won three CBA Championships, six TOB Southeastern PA Region Group IV Championships and five TOB Atlantic Coast Championships and is a source of pride for the district and community. Requirements for this position include: valid PA certification in music, prior experience working with high achieving/performing band programs, and current clearances.
Primary Location Senior High School 10-12
Salary Information Contracted
Job Contact Information
Name Melody Hendricks
Title Administrative Assistant
Phone
Email mhend@spring-ford.net
Name Melody Hendricks
Official that Mr. Eckstine will not be returning to Spring Ford Area Senior High School
hongfeng2
8:50 pm on Wednesday, January 2, 2013
http://www.coachoutletonlinebfd.com/ Coach Outlet Online
http://www.guccibeltstb.com/ Gucci Belt
http://www.coachoutletonlinetdy.com/ Coach Outlet Store Online
http://www.cocoachoutletonline.org/ Coach Outlet Online
http://www.coachoutletonlinetsy.net/ Coach Online Outlet