Name: CCSD board members address recent decisions, including placing superintendent on leave
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CCSD board members address recent decisions, including placing superintendent on leave

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34568c8bae0bc3439f9c06a73eea0ec3bbce854bab60ebfa8e30d47c71d2cfcc6829c17a90be664cby Ian KayanjaTue, October 3rd 2023, 10:20 PM UTCCCSD majority board members address recent decisions, including placing superintendent on leave (WCIV)The five Charleston County School District Board of Trustees members who voted to place Dr. Eric Gallien on paid administrative leave, sparking community outrage, released a statement Tuesday evening. In the statement -- signed by Pam McKinney, Carlotte Bailey, Keith Grybowski, Ed Kelley, and Leah Whatley -- they claim they are open to deliberation and healthy debate, given the size of CCSD and the number of families it represents. They also said the board is "fractured" and that the differing opinions between board members are being utilized to "villainize" CCSD Trustees falsely. "Debate, differences of opinion, and deliberation are a healthy part of any democratic process," the statement reads. "Given the size of the Charleston County School District (CCSD) and the vast number of students and families it serves, we welcome and honor it. Regrettably, this board is fractured to such a degree that our differences of opinion, everyday occurrences in any governing body, are being used to villainize certain Charleston County Board of Trustees members falsely." Read more: Charleston mayor calls for increased transparency from CCSD amidst 'crisis of confidence'.In the statement, they also explain the silence seen in the past week as statements against their actions have flooded in from all parts of the school district. "We have remained largely silent in the past week, hoping our colleagues would come to conduct discussions that promote understanding and empathy rather than exacerbate divisions," the statement reads. "Following yesterday’s press conference and various social media posts over the last week, it is clear that they aim to continue the conversation in the public eye, so we are left with no choice but to do the same."To the question of not hiring Michelle Simmons for the role of chief academic officer, the five board members state that: "Our district and its trustees have a long history of voting for or against the Superintendent’s recommendation for Chief Officer and Deputy Superintendent positions. We will share that our recent vote regarding the Chief Academic Officer was based solely on our desire to hire a CAO who possesses a degree and background in curriculum and instruction coupled with varied experience in K-12 settings: elementary, middle, and high school. Another factor of our vote was that the Superintendent should bring forth a Chief Officer recommendation to the board once he has interviewed candidates." Lastly, to the question regarding the decision to change the Health Advisory Committee, the five board members state: "The decision to present a new slate of Health Advisory Committee members is not intended to be disruptive; however, the bylaws state clearly that terms of membership are 'at the pleasure of the Board.' While we recognize this board is largely split, the slate of members was approved by a majority of the board."The full statement can be read below Debate, differences of opinion, and deliberation are a healthy part of any democratic process. Given the size of the Charleston County School District (CCSD) and the vast number of students and families it serves, we welcome and honor it. Regrettably, this board is fractured to such a degree that our differences of opinion, everyday occurrences in any governing body, are being used to villainize certain Charleston County Board of Trustees members falsely. We have remained largely silent in the past week, hoping our colleagues would come to conduct discussions that promote understanding and empathy rather than exacerbate divisions. Following yesterday’s press conference and various social media posts over the last week, it is clear that they aim to continue the conversation in the public eye, so we are left with no choice but to do the same.The investigation of Dr. Gallien’s actions, alleged by an employee complaint, will comply with district policy. Policy GBEB stipulates that “employees shall not engage in unprofessional behavior toward other employees, students, parents, or others. Particularly, supervisors shall not treat employees under their supervision in a belittling, demeaning, or disrespectful manner, including verbal and/or written statements, especially within the hearing of students, other employees, or others. Such behavior is considered harassment and must be reported to the proper supervisory authority and the department of human resources.”In the case of the Superintendent, the proper supervisory authority is the Board of Trustees. There was a unanimous vote to open an investigation. The majority of the Board voted to place the superintendent on paid administrative leave for the duration of the investigation. The decision to do so was made to preserve the investigation’s integrity. Our genuine desire to do so should be evidenced by the commitment to obtaining a firm only after consultation with Dr. Gallien’s attorneys and should be further supported by our expediency in hiring the firm, which has already occurred.Also, Policy GCF affords that “Chief officer and deputy superintendent recommendations shall be brought to the board for approval.” Our district and its trustees have a long history of voting for or against the Superintendent’s recommendation for Chief Officer and Deputy Superintendent positions. We will share that our recent vote regarding the Chief Academic Officer was based solely on our desire to hire a CAO who possesses a degree and background in curriculum and instruction coupled with varied experience in K-12 settings: elementary, middle and high school. Another factor of our vote was that the Superintendent should bring forth a Chief Officer recommendation to the board once he has interviewed candidates.The decision to present a new slate of Health Advisory Committee members is not intended to be disruptive; however, the bylaws state clearly that terms of membership are “at the pleasure of theBoard.” While we recognize this board is largely split, the slate of members was approved by a majority of the board.Signed,Pam McKinney, Board Chair, District 3 Ed Kelley, District 2 Carlotte Bailey, Vice Chair, District 5 Leah Whatley, District 7 Keith Grybowski, District 1Read more: CCSD board members address 'unconscionable' suspension of superintendent at Monday press conference.Loading ...

34568c8bae0bc3439f9c06a73eea0ec3bbce854bab60ebfa8e30d47c71d2cfcc6829c17a90be664cby Ian KayanjaTue, October 3rd 2023, 10:20 PM UTCCCSD majority board members address recent decisions, including placing superintendent on leave (WCIV)The five Charleston County School District Board of Trustees members who voted to place Dr. Eric Gallien on paid administrative leave, sparking community outrage, released a statement Tuesday evening. In the statement -- signed by Pam McKinney, Carlotte Bailey, Keith Grybowski, Ed Kelley, and Leah Whatley -- they claim they are open to deliberation and healthy...

CCSD board members address recent decisions, including placing superintendent on leave

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