Board approves Floyd as West Brunswick's AD

The Brunswick County Board of Education approved John Floyd as athletic director at West Brunswick High School Tuesday night.

Confusion began after Floyd’s name was not on the approved personnel list released after the board’s monthly meeting several weeks ago.

Terry Chestnutt, assistant superintendent of human resources for Brunswick County Schools, said the board did not approve Floyd’s contract that meeting. Floyd had already begun working in the AD position.

“The board did not know and was not informed that Mr. Floyd has been working two weeks,” Board chair Shirley Babson said last week. “It has caused a disruption in the school, and that’s not what we’re all about of course.”

Floyd previously worked as the athletic director at West but resigned several years ago. Marcia Heady took over the position but left this summer to serve as Shallotte Middle School’s assistant principal. Floyd left his job with Elite Homes earlier this summer to fill the AD position once more. He had put in about two weeks worth of work at WBHS.

Chestnutt said employees are sometimes allowed to begin work prior to board’s approval of hire.

“In times of necessity or emergency we allow a candidate or potential employee to work contingent on board approval,” he said, not commenting specifically on Floyd.

“I wouldn’t say it’s normal, but sometimes it does happen due to the situation,” Board member Jimmy Hobbs explained. “Maybe this situation was because football season is here and school is about to start.”

Babson said the board may consider forming a policy prohibiting such work after this situation.

“I think we need to change the way we’re doing things,” she said.

Kathryn Jacewicz is a staff writer at the Beacon. Reach her at 754-6890 or at kjacewicz@brunswickbeacon.com.