Some have asked the key question in the Warrenton School Board recall: Why?
The answer seems to be: "I'd like to tell you, but it can't get back to me" or " The decision to not renew Brewington's contract was a witch hunt and I know why but there is probably someone better to answer that question"
No one will go on the record directly explaining why after nine years of favorable reviews the four members of the board suddenly change direction on their opinion. At least not yet.
The issue revolves around the demand that Brewington fire one of his principals and his refusal to do so. According to sources, that do not wish to be identified, this is not the first time there has been an issue between one of the school board members and this particular principal. Brewington's refusal was apparently met with a threat. He still refused to comply. According to other sources there is a witness to an exchange between Brewington and the unidentified school board member where he was offered the opportunity to resign. Reportedly he refused.
The result of that refusal apparently led to the outcome at the school board meeting. There are further reports from those who do not wish their identities revealed that this particular school board member went so far as to seek the help of another staffer to dig up more dirt on Brewington prior to the school board meeting. Reportedly that person refused. The end result was a employment review throwing everything including the kitchen sink against Brewington.
No wonder he was shocked.
This is the information that is floating around amongst insiders in the district. If true it would seem that there are still more questions than answers.
Why was the board member demanding the principal be fired? Was there sufficient reason to do so? Obviously Brewington didn't think that was the right direction but why? Why would the majority of the board decide he doesn't fit into Warrenton Schools future plans leaving a respected and knowledgeable board member so opposed he resigns? Does this sequence of events justify a radical recall effort or is this recall just an emotional reaction to be ignored?
Is it a matter of a simple difference of opinion? Should elected people be recalled because they make a decision some do not agree with? Is there sufficent reason to believe that something unsavory happened here? I'd love to tell you...but....
Sounds like the Board was trying to insert themselves into a personnel matter (or at least one of them was). Inappropriate!
ReplyDeleteThe Board's only employee that they can exercise their supervisory duties over including termination, is the Superintendent, which in this case they did.
Sad that it had to end this way.
Tom,
ReplyDeleteI understand your frustration. It is unfortunate that that many of questions everyone has, would have been answered if this entire matter were not conducted in executive session. It is illegal for participants in those meetings to disclose what went on in them. It is interesting to me that none of the 4 people who voted to not renew Mr. Breweington's contract were willing to defend their decision in public. None of them explained their reasons for the non-renewal at our regular board meeting, nor have they answered questions from the press. Rumors can indeed created more questions than they answer, but we know that this year's evaluation of Mr. Brewington came out of those executive sessions. I notice that you provide a "Tom's Research Department". May I suggest that you post Mr. Brewington's current evaluation, as well as his previous three year's evaluations, and my prepared statement to the board. The current evaluation was created in those executive sessions and my public statement was a reaction to the events that went on behind closed doors. These documents are a matter of public record, and may provide more insight into this matter than rumors.
Jim Gannaway
"I'd love to tell you...but...."...that would be irresponsible journalism wouldn't it and perhaps you have already gone too far on this post, as it is, perhaps, you think?
ReplyDeleteThe recall spokesperson (Nancy Kennell) if I'm correct lives in Astoria. I find this questionable that non residence individuals are involved with this. Her sister is an employee of the Warrenton district. Nancy was a teacher also in the district. My assumption is that she is speaking so the teacher union individuals can't be dragged into this mess. The Teachers union has not helped educate our children they have placed roadblocks that have led to less and less with more and more for them.
ReplyDelete