Board votes unanimously to undergo independent investigation

Parent Larry Turbyfill suggested the Lincoln County Board of Education undergo an investigation into its behavior during the Dr. David Martin/superintendent contract scandal. Board member Carl Robinson made the motion for the investigation and the Board accepted.

By Jon Mayhew
Lincoln County
One parent speaking during the public comments section during Wednesday night's Lincoln County Board of Education meeting suggested an investigation be launched into Board member's recent conduct during the superintendent controversy.

And based on the comments by Larry Turbyfill, board member Carl Robinson made a motion the Board undergo an independent investigation. In a startling and surprise move, the Board voted unanimously to accept Robinson's motion.

“I continue to get phone calls and emails from people who want to know why we're not renewing Dr. Martin's contract,” said Robinson. “I think the citizens of Lincoln County deserve an explanation...not two or three years from now, but now.”

School board attorney David Black said he would speak to the Board in a public meeting to see what the Board of Education's next steps would be.

Robinson said he doesn't know why Dr. Martin's contract was not extended.

“(Citizens) find it hard to believe why I can't give them a reason. I don't know why,” said Robinson. “I've not heard anything but positive comments about Dr. Martin while he's been there. I apologize to the citizens that I can't tell them.”

Robinson asked for the investigation based on the “rumors” that were going around.

“Dr. Martin has said the Board is doing things that are morally or legally wrong. That cuts to our integrity and it needs to be exposed,” said Robinson. “If it's a lie, Dr. Martin needs to apologize. We need an independent investigation (so the truth will come out.)”

Earlier in the evening, parent Larry Turbyfill made the suggestion of an investigation.

He also said if the Board of Education knows something, it needs to become public knowledge.

“If this Board possesses information that reveals some sort of character flaw, you would be derelict in not removing him immediately,” said Turbyfill. “He cannot serve effectively under a hostile board.”

While board members have been officially citing “personnel law” as a reason for not discussing the issue, Turbyfill took one Board member to task for making comments: Kelly Childers.

"Kelly Childers has been quoted as saying that Dr. Martin has a problem and has been asked to get help but refused," said Turbyfill. "It has also been stated that Kelly Childers also said he acted alone in the counseling of Dr. Martin."

Board of Education policy strictly forbids a Board member from acting independently regarding any personnel matter.

Childers refused to comment to The Carolina Scoop about why Dr. Martin's contract was not extended in the vote taken last month.

Turbyfill took the Board to task for it's conduct.

“You folks have a mess on your hands and the citizens of Lincoln County deserve better,” said Turbyfill. “The board's conduct is unacceptable under any standard and is certainly not an example that Iwant my children to follow regarding the fair and wquitable treatment of others."

Turbyfill said after the February board meeting took place, he contacted all of the board members and Dr. Martin. Board members Carl Robinson and George Dellinger, as well as Dr. Martin, responded to Turbyfill.

Dellinger essentially “passed the buck” to Childers, according to Turbyfill.

“I'd like to say to the rest of the board members, you have a solemn duty to respond (once contact is initiated,)” said Turbyfill.

Turbyfill also said Lincoln County Schools “were so bad” about six years ago, he removed his son from public schools. He also said he allowed his son to go back to public schools only a couple of years ago.

He said Martin's standard of leadership has been “exceptional.”

“Our schools recently became something every citizen in this county can be proud of,” said Turbyfill. “The schools are showing results and everyone credits Dr. Martin for the success.”

Before suggesting the investigation, Turbyfill said “something isn't right and everyone knows it.”

“We wouldn't allow our children to act like this and we shouldn't allow our elected officials to act this way,” said Turbyfill. “(The Board) owes the citizens an explanation.”

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