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photo by Heather Renee_____
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photo by Heather Renee_____ |
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Despite getting superb reviews (3.8 out o 4.0) and being voted the maximum bonus provided in his contract, the School Board refused to extend Dr. Martin's contract -- most recently on Jan 29/10. More schools than ever have gotten excellent state ratings, every school has improved their rating, and SAT scores have continued to rise. So how can you NOT extend his contract based on this performance? Recent disclosures have brought to light unethical behavior by members of the school board. For example, one member intervened to get his daughter-in-law promoted to principal. Another wanted a relative hired. These actions, if done by a member of the state government, would result in dismissal. But the new State Ethics laws don't apply to local government (why not?). I started off the recent round of controversy by publishing an
article in two local newspapers that brought attention to the problem.
Local residents did the rest.
How to fire your School Superintendent
How? Very quietly! In secret! Avoiding a rerun of Burke County: In Burke County, (the county seat is Morganton, NC) the school board publicly terminated another very popular school superintendent, David Burleson, after a mere NINE years on the job. The public outcry was enormous! Petitions were raised, School Board meetings were picketed. Finally, in November, EVERY board member who voted to remove their popular superintendent (and was on the ballot), was soundly defeated. Sure, we voters can promise a repeat performance. But why not act preemptively? Why fire Dr. Martin? An excellent question! His official reviews have been excellent. Poor School Performance? Lincoln County schools have, for the past decade, gotten better and better in NC rankings, with more and more schools getting excellent ratings. This past year EVERY regular school was rated excellent. The School Board must feel that such progress is unseemly, and that we should revert to average! Progress like this takes a solid structure, and the past two superintendents were also solid managers. Our schools have accelerated their progress under Dr. Martin’s leadership. Poor Community Relations? Ask around. Dr. Martin is clearly one of the most popular superintendents ever. Ah, that must be it! We can’t have someone who might be more popular than the School Board! Professional Management? Apparently while Dr. Martin is in charge, unqualified politically-connected people don’t get automatically hired. Horrors! Care enough to do something? You can: 1) Email or call EVERY school board member – see http://www.lincoln.k12.nc.us/boe/meettheboard.aspx for info. 2) Write letters to the editor. 3) Speak at the meeting (request by noon Jan 4 via email to Dr. Martin: jdmartin@lincoln.k12.nc.us) Don’t care? Do nothing. The School Board is planning to get rid of one of the best superintendents we’re ever had. For More Information Contact: |
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