Board talks about superintendent search

Lincoln County Board of Education members will hold a discussion 6pm March 29 regarding the search for Dr. David Martin's replacement. The board voted earlier this year not to extend Dr. Martin's contract.

By Jon Mayhew
Lincoln County
One member of the Lincoln County Board of Education asked fellow board members about the beginning stages of the superintendent search.

Ed Hatley began the March board meeting by asking about how the superintendent search is going to work, even going so far as to ask about when board members wished to start a discussion.

“I don't want the Board to be rushed in the process,” said Hatley. “We need to have an open discussion, a plan in place, and to start implementing the plan as to what the public wants in the qualities of a superintendent.”

Hatley's comments came as the meeting started 30 minutes earlier than usual. The board went into closed session around 6:15pm to discuss a matter with school board attorney David Black.

Board members are expected to meet in late March to begin discussions on a search for the next superintendent of Lincoln County Schools.

Board member Kelly Childers added nobody was trying “to force out” Dr. Martin, who has a little over a year left on his contract.

Childers told The Carolina Scoop superintendent Dr. David Martin's contract calls for him to serve for four years. Martin replaced Dr. Jim Watson in 2007 after Dr. Watson retired from Lincoln County Schools.

When asked why Dr. Martin's contract was not extended, Childers said “he wasn't going to break the law.”

“We didn't fire the superintendent,” said Childers. “His contract was to serve for four years.”

Childers said he would provide The Carolina Scoop with a copy of Dr. Martin's contract, which is public record.

Childers comments prompted board member Carl Robinson to comment a search for a superintendent wasn't necessary because the Board of Education has a good superintendent already.

“We haven't listened to the public yet so why would we listen to them now,” said board member Carl Robinson. “We have a superintendent setting over there that fits (what we ware looking for).”

Robinson's comments drew applause from the small crowd in attendance for the BOE meeting.

The four board members that originally voted not to extend Dr. Martin's contract – Hatley, Childers, Tommy Houser and George Dellinger – have refused to comment on why they voted “nay,” citing state personnel laws.

Dr. Martin's contract ends on June 30, 2011.

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