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Letter: Personal agenda doesn't serve students' needs

Dr. George C. Knox

President, Labette Community College

Published: May 18, 2009

Parsons, Kansas - I had the privilege of serving on the Burke County Board of Education for four years and chairing the board for two of those years. I served with some of the finest board members, educators and staff I have ever had the opportunity to work with. I had always respected the way the board conducted its business in an open, transparent and honest manner.
Although I live several states away from Morganton, the disturbing news of what is occurring has reached me and other members of our education community. It would appear that the Burke County Board of Education has become a concern to all professional educators.
I currently serve as a college president and report to a six-member elected board and I have a sound understanding of the varying reasons one might seek election to a board. My decision to serve was simply to serve students. I'm fortunate to have a very professional, student-minded board that places the importance of the students' education at the heart of their decision-making process. I have worked for and with board members who have personal agendas and place their agendas before the needs of the students and it clearly only serves one person: the board member.
During my tenure on the Burke County Board of Education I had the opportunity to hire David Burleson as the principal of Freedom High School. I can't say enough about his professionalism and genuine care and concern for the students at Freedom High School. I can't fathom any reason that a board would turn the position of superintendent, the accreditation of the high schools and the education of our students into a circus.
I'm writing this letter of support for David Burleson because he is an outstanding educator, man of principle and a great leader.
Don't turn the past accomplishments of such a tremendous school system into the joke that it is becoming. Please place the students, staff, administration and parents above personal agendas and do what is right. Being a past board member of the Burke County Board of Education has meant a lot to me as I have progressed through the administrative ranks. Now it appears what I'm left with is extreme disappointment. I urge the Burke County Board of Education to do the right thing for its students.