"Speak Out" is an expression of opinion from the Editorial Board of WBTV, and is presented by General Manager, Nick Simonette.
Here we go again. Same problem. Same strategy.
Different superintendent.
This time around the drama is unfolding in Lincoln County.
For reasons yet to be disclosed, the school board decided not to renew the superintendent's contract .
There is now unrest in the community. Voters are vowing to fight back at the polls in November.
Well good for them! Sounds like they're taking a cue from their neighbors in Burke County, who did the same thing last year.
We say, "If you don't like what your elected leaders are doing - kick them out of office."
Superintendent J. David Martin has been the top educator in Lincoln County for about four years.
Test scores are up. He has high marks on his evaluation.
The school board gave him a top-dollar bonus, and one group even ranked Lincoln County one of the top ten school districts in the state.
Now we understand school boards have the right to hire and fire the superintendent, but come on...When you have a leader the community respects, and is apparently getting the job done, why change in the middle of the game?
Folks, it just doesn't make any sense.
The superintendent says some board members don't like him because he doesn't go along with the "good ol' boy network."
We hope that's not the reason to let him go.
Citizens in Lincoln County - keep showing up at the meetings. Keep the pressure on.
And Lincoln County School Board Members - reveal your reasons for wanting to move on from Superintendent Martin.
We believe you owe it to the people.
But please, stop this madness before all the children in the district get hurt.
Tell us what YOU think. SpeakOut@wbtv.com.
