We deserve answers from School Board

Annemarie Steimel
Published: July 12, 2008

While I read Bob Beard’s July 5 guest column twice and found it to say not much of anything, at least he is addressing the public.

The other School Board members who voted to hire an outside attorney to encourage Superintendent David Cox to resign — yes, I am told he was (technically) not fired — need to inform the voting public as to your reasons for your actions.

Why do you seem to be allowing the Board of Supervisors to decide who should be the superintendent of schools? If you decided there should be a change in the county administrator job, do you think your opinion would be welcomed and considered? You were elected to run the schools, not to become best buddies with the other board.

There are more important things than getting along well with each other — like standing up for the teachers, students, parents and school system. Many people have approached me to ask why this has happened and who is benefiting from your dismissal of Dr. Cox. I wish I had an answer that made sense, but none of you have given one.

Is Dr. Cox being punished by the BOS for daring to push for long overdue new schools and asking for more money for schools in the budget? Are you trying to curry favor with the powerful people of Culpeper — who seem to be against funding education at an adequate level? Is this payback for monetary support you received to get elected? These are some of the theories I have heard.

You felt strongly enough to take action against Dr. Cox; now stand up and tell us why. We deserve answers.

Annemarie Steimel
Jefferson District