‘Put it in writing’ directive issued by Northumberland school board

by AnnGardner Eubank

CLARAVILLE—As of Monday, June 13, all communication between Northumberland County Public Schools and the board of supervisors will be in writing.

During the school board’s Monday meeting, member Gayle Sterrett said supervisors have exhibited unprofessional and disrespectful behavior towards the school board, the superintendent and the finance director in the past year.

The board of supervisors has allowed speakers at meetings to make allegations that supervisors know to be false and has “used their meeting to chastise and disparage our board and administrators publicly and through the media,” said Sterrett.

She introduced a related motion stating “The Northumberland County School Board conduct all communication between the superintendent and the board of supervisors through written correspondence only until which time said board of supervisors removes categorical spending edict and begins to show good faith and desire to re-establish a professional and courteous relationship with the school board.”

School board members Dana O’Bier, Betty Christopher, Cheryl Davis, Denise Mazyck and Sterrett voted in favor of the motion and it passed, 5-0.

Other matters

In other news, director of maintenance and facilities Jeff Brann presented plans for summer maintenance projects.

According to Brann, the gym floor annual re-screening at the middle and high school have been completed and it was determined the middle school floor is overdue for a re-sanding and graphics replacement.

The maintenance schedule also includes….