Parents, educators and clergy members defended the principal of I.S. 285 Thursday, saying that he is being treated unfairly.

They met at the District 18 superintendent's building to rally on behalf of Principal Frederick Underwood. They say they will continue to fight for answers to why Underwood was denied tenure and is going to be removed from the school.

Educators say he has a 99 percent graduation rate, and parents have noticed less after-school fighting under his leadership.

The Department of Education confirmed that Underwood will not be returning as the principal. It said it "will listen closely to the concerns of the school community and continue to work with them to ensure high-quality instruction and improve achievement" at the school. 

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