Questions for Lowndes school board
First of all, I have never been a politician nor have I been involved in politics other than as a voter. As a voter and resident of Lowndes County, I have watched with interest and concern all of the publicity surrounding the position of Superintendent of Education.
It is my understanding that tonight at 6 p.m., there will be a stakeholders forum at Central Office. I plan on attending, as I have several questions that I hope to be answered.
Question 1: How does a school board choose not to appoint a superintendent of a state ranked “A” status district? It is evident the children and staff are successful under the present leadership. There has to be a legitimate reason behind this decision to replace him.
Question 2: In the midst of a budget shortfall, why spend the extra money to replace a successful superintendent when there is a shortage of teachers?
Question 3: Has the current superintendent embarrassed the district in any way to warrant this decision?
Question 5: Was any member of the board that voted not to appoint the current superintendent influenced by someone outside of its current members?
Question 6: Has the media misled the information of the school district to the public?
Question 7: Industries on airport property have paid ad valorem taxes for years. The same year the superintendent was to be appointed, rather than voted on by the people, those industries found a loop-hole after the budget was approved. Is this just a coincidence, or is it possible they were discreetly informed in order to create a budget shortfall for the present superintendent?
Question 8: Can the superintendent spend any funds without board approval?
Question 9: The superintendent was accused of holding a position for himself. Did the superintendent not propose to the board that he would assume responsibility for both positions, without a change in pay, yet was denied by the board?
Question 10: What educational qualifications or experience do the board members have?
Question 11: It has been said the superintendent has led the children and staff down the road to success. What evidence does the board have to warrant him being replaced?
I hope these questions will be answered tonight.
I have heard Nick Saban say, “Leadership is defined by results, not popularity.”
Fred B. Hall
Elm Lake
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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