Part 7/10:
As the day of the practice test arrives, an unexpected crisis erupts when a previously expelled student returns to the school wielding a knife, prompting Joe to take decisive action and lock all school doors for security. The move, however, soon invites criticism both from parents and the school board, heightening existing tensions between Joe and the community.
Beneath the surface, the fractures within the administration grow deeper. Joan’s frustrations culminate in her request for a transfer, illustrating the strains within the faculty that are exacerbated by Joe's authoritarian methods. Yet, as the community begins to witness Joe's favorable impact, a bond of respect forms, leading to a shift in how students view their school and capabilities.