Pickens Board of Education holds first meeting of 2022
Board of Education January 14, 2022
PICKENS, Ga. — The Pickens County Board of Education held their first meeting of the new year on Jan. 13. During the meeting the board re-elected it’s chair and vice chair, recognized the Pickens High School esports coach, and discussed continuing shortages in the school system.
At the beginning of the meeting, the board voted to fill the positions of chair and vice chair. Board Chair Sue Finley and Vice Chair Tommy Gartrell were both unanimously selected to serve another year in their respective positions.
The board also recognized PHS’s esports coach Will Nix. Nix spoke briefly at the meeting, sharing his team’s success: “We have finished fourth this year … four out of 141 schools competing this year. I couldn’t be more proud of my team.” Finley spoke for the board saying, “We appreciate all your efforts. We know that anybody who sponsors a team gives much more than their bonus, but gentlemen you have made us so proud.”
Chief Operations Officer Stacy Gilleland spoke during the superintendent reports portion of the meeting. He updated the board on the construction of new agricultural facilities and spoke about the shortages the Pickens school system continues to face. “Transportation, of course we’re still struggling daily with just sickness of COVID and other illnesses to cover routes,” Gilleland said. He explained that upcoming training classes will increase the amount of drivers available. Gilleland also noted that Pickens County Schools Nutrition Services also struggles with supply and staff shortages. “We have 32 employees in food service. At one time this week, we had seven out with COVID, five out with other sicknesses. That’s 37.5% of her [School Nutrition Director Beth Thompson] staff,” Gilleland emphasized.
Board of Education releases details on Townsend’s termination
Education, News, Politics, Press Release March 3, 2021
JASPER, Ga. – It took a little more than a month for the Pickens County Board of Education to release the financial fallout regarding the termination of Dr. Rick Townsend and the future contingency plan. Consequently, it leaves many hesitant to trust the board after some members reversed course from their original expectations.
In previous statements, Chairwoman Sue Finley had hoped to retain Townsend in a different capacity while trying to find a budget-neutral solution. After weeks of back and forth between both Townsend and the school board, it was clear that both parties were not going to get what they wanted.
Board Chair Sue Finley
On February 26, Phil Landrum, attorney for the Pickens County School Board, issues a Press Release that quickly went viral. In the one-page letter, Landrum starts by highlighting the reorganization of the front office. The reorganization strategy was inspired by Tony Young, the school system’s acting Superintendent. Young’s plan, pitched in a previous interview, called for eliminating the Assistant Superintendent’s position and the Chief Officer. The school system hopes to save $565,604.88 over the next couple of years between those two positions.
Landrum went on to say that the citizens should ultimately see a net benefit after a heavy loss the school system is set to take from the payout of Townsend. The school system will have to pay Townsend two years of salary at $406,014.73. After FICA payments and Workers Compensation payments are made, taxpayers can expect to pay $421,699.50 in total. For many vocal citizens that opposed this decision, this was an inevitable fear come true.
In a post made through a social media group Impact Pickens, Brian Rittenberry also acts as an administrator to said group vowed that he would proceed with a petition to recall some of the Board of Education members. In a conversation with Election Supervisor Julianne Roberts, any petition would exclude Tommy Gartrell and Steve Smith because a recall cannot be made on an elected official in their first, or last, 180 days of their term in office.
Rick Townsend, former Superintendent of Pickens County Schools
Roberts confirms that no one has requested a petition from her office.
While opposition to the board decision made some take a proactive approach, Townsend took to his social media account to say that he’s ready to move on from the issue.
“Yes, I’m disappointed I’m not able to complete some of the goals that I had, but I’m glad I had the opportunity to lay the groundwork for future change in Pickens,” said Townsend. “There was no wrongdoing on my part and I fell victim to politics, but knew that was a possibility when I agreed to accept the position. It’s time to move on and continue to make a positive difference in the community and spend more time with my family.”
Pickens Board of Education cuts ties with Townsend
Board of Education, Education, News, Press Release February 24, 2021
JASPER, Ga. – On February 23, The Pickens County Board of Education officially cut ties with former school Superintendent Rick Townsend.
In a meeting that lasted no more than six minutes, the school board went straight to business without a pledge or invocation.
Board Chair Sue Finley
Ultimately, the board voted 3-2 to terminate Townsend’s contract. Board Chair Sue Finley and Board Members Aaron Holland and Steve Smith voted in favor of the termination. Vice Chair Tommy Gartrell and Board Member Tucker Green both voted not to terminate.
Perhaps the evening’s biggest surprise was the lackluster crowd that barely made a dent in the room. The 4 p.m. start time didn’t help matters as the meeting either conflicted with work schedules or school athletic events were happening that night.
Prior to the vote, Board Member Tucker Green openly voiced his objection, calling the decision “reckless.”
“This is a reckless decision, and it’s not in the best interest of our students or our district,” said Green. “We need to get back in a position in this community and in this school district where we focus on the students we serve.”
Board Member Tommy Gartrell echoed Green’s opposition as he talked about the economic consequences in the future.
“I want to make clear, there are better use for our resources financially than this decision,” said Gartrell.
Early on during the process, Finley was optimistic that a budget-neutral resolution could be reached with Townsend not leaving but instead taking on a revised role within the school system. However, based on the results of yesterday’s decision, Townsend and the school board were too far apart. Ultimately, this leaves taxpayers on the hook.
After the meeting had adjourned, FYN asked Finley for further comment regarding the board’s reasoning to let Townsend go. Finley referred us to Phil Landrum, attorney for the Pickens County Board of Education. He, too, declined to comment. Finely abruptly left the building with a police officer by her side.
Tony Young will remain as acting interim Superintendent.
Through a press release later that day, the school board did acknowledge that while the termination was amicable, Townsend’s dismissal is without cause.
Pickens Board of Education run-off: Tommy Gartrell
Board of Education, Election 2020 July 23, 2020
Gartrell says he is a “common sense conservative” with lifelong ties to the community.
Tommy Gartrell is on the ballot for District 1 seat on the Pickens County Board of Education run-off election on August 11, 2020. Voting is already underway and candidate Gartrell, has answered some questions to help voters decide how to cast their ballots.
Why do you feel like you are the most qualified for this position?
List your qualifications/experience that is applicable to this position.
Gartrell advocates for more transparency and better communication.
What do you want the voters to know about you that will help them make a decision?
Gartrell said as a parent, he understands the impact board decisions have on families.
What are some issues in the Board of Education would you like to improve on?
How can voters contact you with questions?
List your social media.
SEE WHO ELSE IS ON YOUR BALLOT AT MY VOTER PAGE.