Middleton out

HALIFAX — County Schools Superintendent Geraldine Middleton dropped a bombshell at the end of Monday night’s school board meeting — she quit.

Board chair Debbie Hardy read Middleton’s announcement saying she wished to step down effective Sept. 18. She requested the district release her from her duties before the 90 days agreed upon in her contract. The board voted unanimously to release her early.

Her resignation comes as the school district prepares to begin its first year of operation under the watchful eye of state and court officials concerned about the district’s financial and educational performance — all problems Middleton inherited when she took the superintendent’s job in July 2007.

Middleton has accepted a position as chief area officer with the Chicago Public School System. It is the third largest school district in the United States with 408,000 students in 666 schools. In a press release, Middleton said “Chief area officer is the equivalent of being superintendent to 30 to 40 schools within that huge district.”

The Halifax County School system was in trouble when Middleton entered the picture in July 2007. Failing test scores for the past five years and a major financial crisis were brought to light shortly after she became superintendent. Middleton took on the crisis and implemented new academic standards.

In school year 2008-2009, Middleton found herself before Judge Howard Manning. He declared Halifax County had denied children their constitutional rights by failing to provide them with a basic education.

Middleton spoke at the hearing and developed a working partnership, along with the school board, with the Department of Public Instruction. She implemented new strategies for administration, faculty and students. When to save money the school board shut down three schools, Brawley, Eastman and McIver, Middleton had a plan she hoped would make the transition as easy as possible on the community. Test scores showed improvement this year, with some schools making expected growth targets.

After the announcement, Middleton addressed parents, teachers and board members at the meeting with a prepared statement:

“Two years ago with a vision, a dream and mountains of faith, I accepted the job as superintendent of Halifax County Schools. In this capacity, I served the children and the community tirelessly. I was vigilant in my attempts to raise test scores, create positive learning environments, implement new programs and create the financial stability of the district.”

“Many times I was faced with difficult decisions and had to perform what seemed the impossible,” she continued, “Difficult decisions are not always popular; however, if they are made in the best interest of the children, they become challenges you cannot, should not and must not ignore.”

“I will remain committed to cost effectiveness, innovative programs geared to 21st century learning, research-based professional growth and development — all the while dedicated to helping children overcome obstacles and reaching higher levels of achievement. In order to grow, we will always have to ‘navigate the winds of change.’”

Middleton encouraged Halifax County children to strive to be excellent and to continue to grow in their education. “You are the future leaders. As you ‘navigate the winds of change’ keep in mind if you are prepared intellectually, there is no limit on what you can be.”

She challenged parents to actively participate in their children’s education. “Underscored in this challenge is that you not just become active in times of crisis incited by politicians, but instead demonstrate responsible actions throughout your child’s school years,” she said.

She implored teachers to take advantage of the challenges they face and to fully embrace change “because it is incapable of being avoided.”

Finally she broached the community. “I encourage you to embrace the necessary changes related to declining enrollment, budget cuts and low student achievement as an opportunity to use wisdom versus status quo, excellence versus mediocrity, strength and fortification versus what is politically expedient for someone else and reason versus inappropriate tactics.”

“I was one of the people who didn’t vote for you,” said Board member Faye Young after Middleton’s address. Young shared once she got to know Middleton and learned to appreciate her, “You had a vision and it wasn’t hard to see that vision. My only regret is you will not be here to see that vision come to fruition.”