LETTER: Don’t blindly follow guidance from Graves

Talk about it

To the Editor:

In referencing your article on March 8 (Childs picked to succeed Palli as new MHS principal) I would like to offer a few comments.

The headline stating “picked” tells me all decisions have been as to his placement in the new position, when actually Mr. Childs had merely been recommended by Superintendent Graves to the school board for approval. It sounds as if the approval of the board is assumed as a definite. This to me would seem as a rubber stamp by the board in following Graves’ guidance. No mention of a selection from other applicants or advertising for the opening was made.

Your article states that Mr. Graves said that the district has advertised for applicants to succeed Childs at Longfellow and selected applicants will be interviewed on March 21. Sounds like board approval of Mr. Childs is just a formality, and Mr. Childs states working toward a smooth transition will be his next job.

Could it be that Greg Guymon was totally on target in his accusations in the past election? Is our school board merely a rubber stamp for Graves’ recommendations? That the board actually works under Mr. Graves in the administration of its district business. Smells funny.

I’m sure Mr. Childs is of true qualifications for the position and I wish him the best, but does the school district’s business really need to be handled this way? Many questions would be deemed unnecessary if there were no doubt.

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