May 8, 2001: The Gainesville school board votes unanimously to hire Steven Ballowe.
Sept. 2, 2004: President Bush lauds the academic successes of the Gainesville school system.
April 2006: The school system prints 3,000 copies of Ballowe’s book "The Gainesville Model for Accountability and Achievement."
January-February 2007: Controversy erupts over a display of international flags at Gainesville High School and Ballowe’s "super" principal concept.
July 16, 2007: The Gainesville school board votes 3-2 to give Ballowe a contract extension to 2010, including provisions if he is fired without cause.
May 19: The school board learns the deficit for the 2007-08 budget year could reach $7 million. Also, Ballowe sends a letter to the school board member alleging violations of the Open Meetings Act.
Thursday: The school board votes 3-2 to fire Ballowe.
