A couple of days ago Wednesday March 9, 2011 I posted the following post: Show Time At The Edgecombe County Public Schools Board Meeting Monday Night March 14th. If This Was A Black Principal Would He Be On This Long Paid Suspension?
On the Opinion page of The Daily Southerner W. Terry Smith in his article “Dr. Talley has a plan” confirmed what sources had reported to The DCN. I did not mention the names but Diane LeFiles and Dr. Lana Vanderlinden’s names were the two names I was talking about.
Smith said, “In a survey before Dr. Talley was hired last August, VanderLinden was the popular choice.” Well Smith yes she had much support however there are many in the county who did not support her either. Smith I am one so I am going to speak for me countless others who have allowed me to speak for them over the years so don’t get it twisted. But you already know because you have tried to discredit me over the years especially when I held a Press Conference at the Central Office several years ago.
Dr. VanderLinden has some issues that I have some concerns with and I have made them known over the years. I met with a business person and some others whom called me in to discuss her and I made it clear that I didn’t want her. It is no secret that I have shared my reasons orally and in writing why I have not supported her to be superintendent of Edgecombe County Public Schools. Obviously a majority of the board members must agree that she was not the one because she has been turned down several times over the years. So Smith go figure. Oh I forgot you meet and talk with some of her supporters so I guess you feel that validate why ya’ll want to see her as superintendent. Not!!
Diane LeFiles director of community relations is on the list also. Smith said, “But both women are highly respected among their professional peers and in the community.” Smith I assume when you say professional peers you are talking about those within the system that likes them. I know many in the system that do not as well. I know many in the community that do not also and we definitely don’t feel that neither had really been all that professional especially when it comes to dealing with some students, parents and business community over the years. I say this without a shatter of a doubt because I have served on the PTO and School Improvement Team at both Carver Elementary and South Edgecombe Middle Schools. However I have served on the Edgecombe County Board of Education Advisory Committee over the years as well.
I speak to and hold conversations with these two however I feel it is time that they move on.
Smith you say you hope Dr. Talley changes his mind about his plan before presenting it to the board on Monday night. Well I stop by to tell you that I support him 100% because this is what many of us have been waiting for over the years.
Smith I too have some concerns with the Dr. Talley having a mentor but after reading your article, I now have a difference in my opinion. Since you say board chair Evelyn Wilson stated Dr. Talley is not strong in technology I support him having a mentor/consultant. I know Dr. Steve Mazingo is technology savvy so I support this move 100% as it relates to the technology piece.
I am not going to speak to the issue of Dr. Lana VanderLinden applying for the superintendent’s position in the Nash-Rocky Mount Schools System.
I have not attended a school board meeting since the new board members were sworn in nor since Dr. Talley has been here. I decided to take a break away from it all for a while but one reason was because I was working long hours and videoing middle school and high school ballgames. I had planned to begin attending the meetings in January but was unable to attend because I had to video a middle school ballgame. I was unable to attend in February as well. If it is the Lord’s will I will be there on Monday night to support Dr. Talley’s plan.
So who am I? I am a strong advocate for justice and is very vocal in the community and especially in the school system. In 1993 I was involved in helping the students at SouthWest Edgecombe High School resolve a walkout that they performed. I have received certificates of graduation for participating in the yearly (PESP) Parent Education Studies Program through the NC Justice and Community Development Center Education Leadership Institute at the Friday Center in Chapel Hill NC on June 14, 2002 and again on May 30, 2003 at the Holiday Inn Gateway Center in Rocky Mount NC. However I have attended other meetings/workshops over the years and most recent workshop this past Saturday with the Rural Education Working Group in Wilson NC. I am always working parents about school issues.
For more about me click here.
See related:
Dr. Wayne Talley Superintendent Edgecombe County Public Schools
