CCBOE superintendent contract not extended

The Coffee County Board of Education superintendent's contract will not be renewed at the end of his term.

The board voted to provide Don McPherson written notice of the decision on Tuesday, June 30.

Galen McWaters presented the motion to the board.

The motion states: "I move that the board provide written notice to the superintendent indicating that the board does not desire to extend the superintendent's contract upon the expiration of the term, and that he be provided written notice. That neither the board or superintendent waive any rights that they may have. The board, through Brian McLeod, and the superintendent will continue to work to reach an amicable resolution of all issues between them, to be resolved July 9, 2015."

Jimmy Clark, McLeod, McWaters and Mike Bailey voted in favor of the motion; Larry Eddins voted against it. Rubin McKinnon did not voice a vote.

McPherson was hired as the superintendent in 2011. He previously worked as the director of federal programs for the Cullman County Board of Education.

In 2013, the Coffee County BOE voted to extend his contract for another six years, making 2019 his official end of term.

McPherson said the still respects the board despite the decision, and will work with board members to maintain the success of the school system.

"I have a great deal of respect for the Coffee County Board of Education, the teachers, administrators, students and the parents," McPherson said. "I've been here for four and a half years, and I love Coffee County very much. I want the best for this system, and I know several board members do as well. So I know Mr. McLeod and I will continue to work together to work out any differences for the betterment of this system."

McPherson said that in the wake of the board's decision, the progress of the school system should be remembered.

"I'd like to not talk about myself," McPherson said. "I'd rather talk about the 95 percent graduation rates for three years in a row, or the great teaching we've got with engagement of the students and making learning relevant. (I would rather) talk about the facility upgrades that we've done. All the while we've done this, and all the money that we've spent, we still have one of the highest reserves in the state of Alabama."

The deliberation for the board's decision took place during executive sessions at three special-called meetings on June 25, June 29 and June 30. McPherson was not involved during the executive sessions. Communication between the board and McPherson was primarily through the board's attorney, Dale Marsh, and McPherson's attorney, Thomas Brantley.

Brantley, McPherson's attorney provided by the Alabama Education Association, said the actions of the board were that of a "witch hunt."

"It is a witch hunt," Brantley said. "I think they're grasping for straws, and they've got their own handpicked guy to come in here and take my client's place. I think that's dirty pool."

Brantley said that the success of the board was because of McPherson, and the board's decision is a difficult one.

"I think the Coffee County Board of Education is an excellent board," Brantley said. "One reason this board of education is such a good board, is because of Dr. McPherson. He is an excellent superintendent.

"As his attorney, I'm greatly confused and somewhat angered over this board. I don't think they're prepared. I don't think they know what they're doing. I think they've just got personal agendas."

McPherson said that despite the decision of the board, he will continue to work for and protect the Coffee County school system.

"For four-and-a-half years, this has been my life," McPherson said. "We moved our family 250 miles south to assimilate into this community and this county. So, we care a great deal about this system and the schools that make up this system.

"My main goal is to protect this system at all cost. I firmly believe it's one of the best school systems in the state."

When asked if he would still be superintendent in August, McPherson said, "I don't know. The bottom line is that I'm superintendent right now and that's all that matters today."