Board must be accountable

To the editor: Recently, the Brunswick County Board of Education voted to name the new school under construction in the Cedar Grove community Cedar Grove Middle School.

The decision did not come without controversy, and I applaud the logic and fairness of the board members who voted in accordance with the final decision.

However, I do have concerns about other actions the board has taken recently under the guidance of the superintendent, Dr. Katie McGee.

The Brunswick County Board of Education recently approved a re-organization plan submitted by Dr. McGee. For more than 28 years, this county has had an African-American assistant superintendent in its administrative unit.

Now, it doesn’t, simply because Dr. McGee did not deem it necessary or appropriate. To believe there is not an African-American qualified for this position is simply unfathomable.

It is my understanding Dr. McGee has promoted others that would further advance her agenda to positions of administrative power. This reorganization plan approved by the board of education has nothing to do with the betterment of the school system. More importantly, it does nothing to positively impact the educational gap that exists in our schools.

The educational system in Brunswick County is failing. It has been failing for a long time under the administration and guidance of Dr. McGee. For some time now our board members have ignored that fact.

Board members, we are holding you accountable as well as Dr. McGee. We have schools failing to meet state standards repeatedly. It is my belief the actions of Dr. McGee and this school board threaten to shake the very foundation of race relations in this school system.

I think Dr. McGee has misled and withheld information from board members, thereby making them culpable in her own self-serving actions. It appears board members that you have devoted too much of your time being led and spoon-fed placating the superintendent and not enough time on the real issues that plague this school system.

Sometime in this year you, as a board, rate the actions of the superintendent. Take a very long look at this failing school system that seems to be in a downward spiral and ask yourselves what grade should Dr. McGee get? What difference has she made?

If you, as a board, do not hold her accountable, then you will be held accountable.

It’s time for a change. It’s time for truth and it is time for action.