Public Shows Overwhelming Support of CCPS, Superintendent

By Averett Jones, Editor

The Charlotte County School Board met Tuesday evening to a packed house. The crowd filled the meeting room and lobby and some attendees remained outside.

Dr. Leonard informed the board she had been called by the Virginia Department of Education “recognizing that Bacon District School was on track for becoming fully accredited. Principal Sylvia Lockett thanked Dr. Leonard and Sharon Hall for being part of the team that made this happen.

Fourteen citizens addressed the board.  Eleven spoke in support of the School System and Superintendent Dr. Nancy Leonard. The recurring theme of these citizens was, “We have a great school system, please don’t tear it down.”  Judging from applause, those supporting Leonard and the school system held a majority of about 10 to 1.

Ennis Jones said, “It took a while to build our system, it doesn’t take long to tear it down.”

Hezteine Foster, longtime educator stated, “We have something we have built over the years and we don’t want to see it torn down. We have something here in Charlotte County we should be proud of. If we are a progressive county and put our students first we’ll be fine.”

Cornell “Brick” Goldman added, “You are charged with seeing that our students receive the best education possible within the resources available. Hiring a superintendent is the most important decision you will ever make. You have a lot of power. You can hire and fire a superintendent. This decision should be based on facts not emotion.”

Keri Joyner stated, “CCPS has unparalleled success. Change for the sake of change does not always equal progress.”

Miranda Dunn spoke in support of the school board and in opposition to The Southside Messenger.

Angie Hall spoke on the need for more drug enforcement in the schools.

George Toombs spoke regarding the Osborne Memorial Bench controversy.

Former school board member Kenny Redmond supported Dr. Leonard. “She did everything we ever asked and she did it right.” “You have stunned and demoralized the best group of educators in the area.”