DATE: Monday, June 30, 1997                 TAG: 9706300066

SECTION: LOCAL                   PAGE: B7   EDITION: FINAL 

SOURCE: By KATRICE FRANKLIN, STAFF WRITER 

DATELINE: NORFOLK                           LENGTH:   40 lines

PARENTS UNITE TO PROTEST TRANSFER OF TAYLOR ELEMENTARY PRINCIPAL

For the parents at W.H. Taylor Elementary School, the days have seemed long.

The school building that they love will soon be demolished - a decision that has torn them apart.

But on Sunday afternoon, they were once again united, a hundred people with one cause. They gathered on the steps of Taylor to protest the transfer of Principal Mary Ann Bowen to another school.

``There have been so many changes in this area,'' said Ken M. Kimidy, the parent of two children at Taylor. ``It's time to at least maintain. Ms. Mary Ann Bowen is the ultimate professional. I support her.''

Kimidy's words were echoed by numerous children, teachers and parents.

For the past year, school officials and parents have been grappling with the decision to either renovate the 80-year-old school or build a new one. The Norfolk Planning Commission voted this month to build a new facility in front of the existing building, about 90 feet from West Princess Anne Road. The debate and decision have bitterly divided many West Ghent residents.

But on Sunday, that was forgotten. The families rallied to drum up numbers to attend a meeting with Norfolk School Superintendent Roy D. Nichols Jr. this morning to air their concerns.

Some came with letters; others held signs.

Eleven-month-old Anna Kimidy's carriage seat bore her family's sentiments: ``I want Ms. Bowen to be at Taylor when I go to school,'' read the sign - which also showed an outline of her handprint that read: ``See you in 2002.''

Elaine K. Nichols, whose daughter will attend first grade at Taylor next year, said the Norfolk schools administration needs to listen.

Many parents didn't find out about Bowen's transfer until Thursday, Nichols said. And parents said they weren't consulted about the move.

``Ms. Bowen is the champion of these students,'' Nichols said. ``This came out of the blue. There's a lot to lose if she goes.

``This is about our children, and we're going to fight for their best interest.''

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