Alexander: Why has school board added to our problems?

By: Bruce Alexander | Morganton News Herald
Published: November 01, 2009

Morganton, NC --

Times are tough enough and there are always problems to be dealt with in any organization. Why has the present Burke County school board created much more trouble than good?
The school board needs new leadership, character and a breath of fresh air. Please support the candidates that will support the students, teachers and all others in the Burke County school system. If the candidates have to run as a team to help bring about the needed support for our school system, vote for the team. Vote for Susan Stroup, Sam Wilkinson, Buddy Armour and Catherine Thomas.
In the The News Herald on Oct. 22, there was such a good short story about Corinne Alavi. The bottom line: "Granny taught me ... always stand up for what is right." This is what it is all about: "Stand up for what is right."
Now, on a personal note, I have some things in common with former schools superintendent David Burleson.
We both grew up in adjoining counties — he was in Avery and I am from McDowell — and both came to call Burke County home. We both learned what a blessing it is to live here. Burke County has a lot to offer in many ways.
I did not know Mr. Burleson personally, but I believe he was and still is, in his new job, probably one of the best educators and administrators in the state of North Carolina. There were no good reasons given for his dismissal. This was one of the dumbest things ever done by a school board anywhere. Shame on Tracy Norman and her lieutenants. The guy had one year left on his contract and they got rid of him. How much grief has that caused the people in Burke County, not to mention the dollar cost?
As it turns out, we both got displaced from our jobs this year. I had worked my way to be one of the best technical resources for the company I worked at for 17 years. I was given no specific reason for my dismissal after all. David Burleson and I were bitten by the same bug — a personal and political one.
When politicians, managers and others in positions of trust and power become arrogant and self-serving and think their way is the only way, or when they pursue a personal or political vindictive agenda, trouble will surely brew. This is the root of trouble on the school board at present.
Regardless of the election's outcome, there are going to be some tough times ahead.
Good luck to David Burleson and the new Burke County school board in the future.

Alexander: Why has school board added to our problems?

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