Bartow School Board Refuses to Hire Superintendent's Recommendation

member Wanda Cagle Gray of District 4 accused the board of “trying to back Superintendent John Harper into a corner” during Monday's business meeting, after the board voted in a 3 to 2 split against personnel changes that would have hired an assistant superintendent from outside the system.

“As many of you know there are personal agendas for our present board,” said Gray. “Keep in mind the voted three school board members have all the power. Without a man of integrity in charge of our children, they will suffer mentally, physically and emotionally through hands of this present board.”

Gray, who was greatly disappointed that the board voted against the addition, said that Harper had made his recommendation after an “intense” interview process and calls to see the reputation and character of his recommendation for assistant school superintendent.

“Tonight three of our board members have decided they want a person from within our system to be the assistant to our superintendent,” said Gray. “Now keeping in mind, most of our employees are not original residents. In regard to our central office directors, no one applied for this job that is even close to Dr. John Harper's recommendation. Did we settle for second or third best when it comes to our children?”

Gray added that Harper needs someone who is highly qualified with years of experience in areas of education and feels his decision to pick someone from outside the system was best for the children and community.

“It's so important that this assistant is a person of integrity and does not go in the backdoor to get his own personal way,” said Gray.

Gray said Harper has always made his decisions with what he felt was what is best for the children of Bartow County and now fears for the future of .

“A huge issue with this present board is micromanaging,” said Gray, “and I'm fighting hard against this board's micromanaging of our superintendent. The present board is wanting to micromanage Dr. Harper's job of hiring his assistant. They want this person in that position where Dr. Harper will resign by using the excuse of 'we need to hire within Bartow County.'”

Gray said she feels with Harper's resignation, that “someone will set down” from the board — the same person “that board members want in [Harper's] position.

“I told the present board members to please let him do his job and run our school system,” said Gray. “Parents and community, I fight for your child and school. I feel like at each board meeting, I have to fight. I will keep you posted, because I may need your help.”

Vice Chair Angie Cornett, who voted against the hire, said her vote only came from what she thought was best for the school system.

“First of all, Dr. Harper, I think you're doing a fine job, and I think we've all expressed to you what leadership you have put forth, and I respect you for that,” said Cornett. “I want to tell every staff member out there in this audience that I have respect for you. I think everyone of you are qualified to do anything in this system you would like.

"I want you to know we are supporting you as a board. We are supporting these schools and we are supporting these children. I have children in this system, so believe me, I am supporting you every bit of the way. I have personally supported [Harper] but I do have to stand alone as board member and vote my conscience and that is what I've done tonight.”

Superintendent John Harper declined to comment on who the board voted against hiring, but said Gray was a board member and is entitled to her thoughts and opinions.

Also at this meeting:

• The board unanimously voted to approve all the items the consent agenda with an amendment to item 13. Geohydro was approved as the geotechnical firm that will provide subsurface exploration at the proposed Emerson Elementary site.

• The board also approved several contracts for personnel to handle student needs, including a medical services provider to support medically fragile students with disabilities, a private agency to provide speech therapy services and a sign-language interpreter for a deaf student.