WACO, TX — Some in the Waco community are showing their support for Waco ISD Superintendent Dr. Marcus Nelson.
Nelson was arrested for possession of marijuana last Thursday in Robertson County.
A state trooper pulled Nelson over for driving in a passing lane and noticed a smell of marijuana coming from his car. He had less than two ounces with him at the time.
People started lashing out against the the superintendent online, but others are coming to his defense.
A petition on Change.org is gaining support. More than 4,000 parents and other community members have signed it. They're urging the district to focus on the positive impact Nelson has made rather than his mistake.
A post on the page reads in part:
"A misdemeanor should be treated exactly for what the dictionary says it is it is, a minor wrongdoing. This minor wrongdoing should be addressed, but not at the expense of our children and their futures."
On Monday, a group of pastors also joined together to show their support for Nelson.
About half a dozen pastors believe the school board made the right to decision to bring Nelson to Waco in the first place.
They said he's well liked in the community and has done a great job in the district since he was hired in 2017.
"We need to focus on all the good that he's done. Our kids, right now, need someone like Dr. Nelson," said Pastor Patrick Riley.
They hope board members are fair when they decide his fate with the district.
"That's what we hope for, you know, that everything is considered, every aspect and that we don't just make an emotional decision," said Pastor Bryan Dalco.
"Right now, they're just charges that have been filed and that a person is still innocent until proven guilty," said Pastor Gaylon Foreman. "Until the courts run their course and something has been decided, we just believe that we shouldn't hastily make decisions."
The Board of Trustees will meet on March 19 to speak directly with Nelson.
