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OBSERVATIONS
January 23, 2020 |
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Chairman Todd Sutton leads the Johnston County Board of Education in a "prayer for unity" during last week's monthly meeting. (Photo from video of the entire session, posted on the school system's website)
 Wingate Lassiter |
School board needs action, not
just words,
to restore public trust
Numerous statements by board members and citizens at last week's meeting of the Johnston County Board of Education called for unity in the midst of recent criticism of the board and school administrators for a series of unsightly incidents including accusations about financial and personnel mismanagement, conflicts of interest, sexual harassment, and cover-ups of misdeeds.
But the old adage, "actions speak louder than words," surely comes into play just now, as most of those accusations remain unresolved in the public arena --- so far.
Investigations, including a "wellness audit" of finances, have been promised. But until results are delivered in full view of us citizens, talk of unity seems empty.
Here's but one example of what I'm talking about, written by a concerned citizen who happens to be my wife (she submitted her "letter to the editor" unsolicited by me)....
Unpunished sexual harassment is much harm done
In this era of nationwide support for the "Me Too" movement, it's astounding that a man in a position of administrative authority for Johnston County Schools would boldly harass a female employee in the workplace --- and, not one, but two women. The liability of this man's despicable behavior to Johnston County Schools is mind-boggling, not to mention the awful humiliation and anguish it brings to the victims who have been sexually harassed.
The harassment was brought to light by Johnston County school board member Ronald Johnson and reported in detail by the JoCo Report. If taped conversations and video of the perpetrator have been shared with other school board members and persons in the administration, those with knowledge are obliged to further investigate and remove the perpetrator from his position now.
By remaining silent, innocent employees in the administration and especially female employees working at the A.G. Glenn Building are unfairly under public suspicion and become victims of guessing and gossip. The Board of Education must ensure the public that swift action has been taken and this behavior will not be tolerated.
Justice demands that all school employees be protected from future harassment by anyone in the workplace. Good stewardship demands that our school system is protected from reckless liability expense. If nothing is done, an invitation is given to others to attempt this, too, without any consequences. Civil rights of workers are at stake and so is the reputation of Johnston County Schools.
--- SUSAN LASSITER, Smithfield
Isn't it way too early for this!
In full bloom this week, even as temperatures plummeted below mid-winter norms, was this pink cherry tree in front of South Smithfield's First Christian Church. It has been mild around here recently, but high temperatures recorded at Johnston Regional Airport reached just 39 on Monday, 37 on Tuesday, and 46 (a warming trend) on Wednesday. Our normal daytime high for January is 50 degrees.
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