JACKSON Tenn – At Monday’s Jackson Madison County School Board meeting board member Bob Alvey presented information that seemed to contradict reports previously given by Superintendent Verna Ruffin to the board.
Alvey’s questions centered around the credit recovery program and math instruction.
(Scroll to bottom of page for analysis report provided by JMCS board member Bob Alvey.)
In August, 4 weeks into the school year, Ruffin removed Murry from her position as principal of Liberty Technology Magnet High School. Questions swirled around the school and the system regarding the circumstances. Parents, faculty, and students gathered outside the school days after to show support. Many others have shown up to show support at board meetings and others have contacted board members directly.
In September, Ruffin presented the results of her investigation to the board.
During Monday’s meeting Alvey presented to the board a comparison of the facts Ruffin gave the board to the facts he received by his requests to Central Office personnel.
Bob Alvey made a motion that Dr Ruffin be asked to look into and respond to the discrepancies in the two sets of facts. The motion was seconded by David Clifft.
The board then had some discussion over whether it had the authority to address personnel issues. Jim Campbell, board chair, said it made him very uncomfortable to approve any motion that would undermine Dr Ruffin’s authority with her employees.
David Clifft told the board he did not see Bob’s motion as second guessing the personnel decision to move June Murry. Clifft said this was about the information Ruffin gave the board who is the one employee for which they are responsible. Clifft added, he thought Verna would want to explain without having to have board action.
Board members Truman Murray and Janice Hampton both spoke about how issues should be handled individually with the superintendent, rather than in public before the board.
Alvey told the board it concerns him that employees don’t feel comfortable coming the Central Office with grievances. Alvey referred to the findings of a recent independent study. “We can’t just sit here and nod our heads every time she (Ruffin) says something.” said Alvey.
The board 6 – 3 not to approve a motion that would have required Ruffin to respond to contradictions between these statements and the September report.
CLICK TO OPEN DR RUFFIN REPORT COMPARISON PROVIDED BY JMCS BRD MEMBER BOB ALVEY
