After hearing of the ousting of DeKalb's now former superintendent, I am reminded about how Macon-Bibb County's Superintendent was essentially forced out under ethics allegations involving principals.
Sharon Patterson said she had done no wrong, and feels she would be vindicated.
Patterson received criticism that she didn't report alleged misconduct by Bibb County principals to the state Professional Standards Commission. Patterson contended that she handled the complaints fairly.
However, she decided to take a $185,000 buyout and was replaced by a Slyvia McGee as interim superintendent on March 1st.
Patterson had said the following back in early February : "I believe it is unfair to the school district, its dedicated employees, the 25,000 students who attend our schools, and me to continue to be subjected to the turmoil that currently exists in our school system," Patterson said.
Sometimes it is about politics. Running a school system is tough and if you are on top, then a lot of a big things and little things get magnified, and critics are able to get an upper hand and can make your job more difficult.
Patterson helped to modernize the Bibb County School System. This was seen as revolutionary and hadn't been done since integration in the 1960's and 1970's. There was some resistance, but Patterson was able to push most of the plans through and the community supported it. However, it seems the DeKalb Schools System was a tad more resistant to change and of course, an ambitious modernizing program during a recession may have made critics angry at the former DeKalb superintendent.
DeKalb County schools superintendent Dr. Crawford Lewis who has spent over three decades of serving in some capacity as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, executive director and superintendent, has announced he will resign in lieu of the DeKalb County School board voting unanimously to relieve him of his duties.
Lewis began his career as an elementary school teacher in 1977, and in 2004 he had replaced Johnny Brown to become the Superintendent of DeKalb County Public Schools.
After Lewis became Superintendent, Dr. Lewis had made policy and personnel decisions that caused a stir to some within the school system.
However, sometimes installing new policies and replacing them will new ones can cause tension, misunderstanding and conflict whether intentionally or unintentionally.
Dr. Lewis had reversed a "Dress for Success" school uniform mandate, and he had made changes to staff and cabinet positions within the DeKalb Schools system. One of the more talked about decisions was in regard to a Lakeside High principal a few years ago.
Dr. Lewis was able to start an effort to upgrade the schools system. It was a difficult chore, but unforeseen events such as prolonged recession and eventual layoffs along with increased public scrutiny compromised Dr. Lewis’ ability to lead.
The district attorney's office began in the early fall of 2009 investigating construction projects within the DeKalb system, which eventually led to Lewis taking a leave of absence in February 2010.
No charges have been filed by the DeKalb district attorney thus far. However, Lewis’ home was searched along a few DeKalb County school buildings.
Lewis will receive four months of severance and Ramona Tyson will become interim Superintendent.
It is definitely an unfortunate situation for everybody involved, and even though no charges have been filed in this case thus far, Lewis’ departure at this time is the best thing for everyone moving forward.
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