President comments, personnel changes addressed at CCBOE

At a special-called meeting on Thursday, Aug. 27, some board members addressed President Shag LaPrade's speech about the settlement with former-superintendent Don McPherson at the Republican Women of Coffee County's meeting on Aug. 19.

Board member Rubin McKinnon said that he had received phone calls asking about LaPrade's announcement.

"I have received some calls from some people in reference to the unannounced speech that you made in front of the Republican women," McKinnon said. "All I could say was it was not recommended by the board."

McKinnon said that LaPrade did not have the board's consent to make a statement on the settlement.

"I think you were out of line, out of order. It's unethical for you to set yourself up in a political position and reflect the Coffee County School Board.

"We didn't give you permission; we didn't know about it. If you're going to go out and make a speech about what goes on at this board, then you need to ask somebody."

Board member Jimmy Clark echoed McKinnon.

"I'm sort of like Ruben. You weren't asked to do a report. That dog is dead; let's let it lie."

LaPrade did not comment.

The board also approved the following personnel changes:

Employments:

Betsy Paul, sixth-grade teacher at New Brockton Elementary School;

Joni Jones, part-time teacher at New Brockton Elementary School;

Abbey Bowers, part-time teacher at new Brockton Elementary School;

Janet Vick, part-time teacher at Zion Chapel School; and,

Ashley Sanders, part-time teacher at Kinston School.

The next board meeting will be held on Thursday, Sept. 3, after the budget hearing at 5 p.m. at the Central Office in Elba.