Community overwhelmingly supports principal accused of paddling student Published: May 4, 2021 10:11 PM EDT Updated: May 4, 2021 10:41 PM EDT Recommended Dozens of people showed up wearing “Central Strong” T-shirts and told us they supported the principal who was recorded paddling a student. No decision was made by the board during the meeting. We pressed Superintendent Michael Swindle after the meeting, but he still would not answer any of our questions. Teachers and friends of Principal Melissa Carter who appeared at the meeting were loud and clear what they wanted to see happen. They said they stand with Carter. A room full of red “Central Strong” T-shirts took over the Hendry County school board meeting, as community members showed their support for Principal Carter.