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 Daily Herald file photo Halifax County Schools Superintendent Geraldine Middleton is shown last month during a school board presentation. Monday night, she stunned many people by resigning her post effective next month. |
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.”
Comments
Fyi wrote on Sep 2, 2009 11:56 PM:
Middleton came to the problem but did nothing but continue to paint over dirty walls. She did nothing to help teachers that begged her for assistance and enforcement. The ECU grad. is right about the eldery teachers running the young ones out. It happens every year and the students are the ones hurt by it.
God is not going to solve this problem for you and neither is a bunch of products from the same school system. "
former resident wrote on Aug 27, 2009 7:56 PM:
Stop the Games wrote on Aug 27, 2009 10:41 AM:
Some are happy to see Middleton go. Some are sad. Some don't care. Point is these are only emotions. She is leaving and there is nothing to be done but move on. I agree with the earlier person who said "What about our children?" "
HCS board wrote on Aug 27, 2009 10:08 AM:
Students keep your head up. We love you. Most of these articles have forget the real victims (our children). "
Happy Feet wrote on Aug 27, 2009 10:03 AM:
We the people wrote on Aug 27, 2009 10:00 AM:
Hit the Road wrote on Aug 27, 2009 9:59 AM:
How do we know it you?
Let's look at the times of your posting 3 mins apart and perfect grammar. LOL. Get lost loser.
That the problem with people. You think that you are so smart. You have alot of strong points. You could have been a stronger leader if.... you just accept the fact that we all make mistake and are not perfect. Stop blaming the board, the county, the judge, the parents, the employees, the poverty...etc. Just leave.
egotistical, pompous, narcissistic people. "
To Happy for Gerry Middleton wrote on Aug 27, 2009 9:50 AM:
Good Luck in Chicago wrote on Aug 26, 2009 11:16 PM:
They all come down from Raleigh and act like they have all the answers, but they don't. Where were they five years ago?
Judge Manning needs to replace those board members that are still up to NO Good and are behind the scenes with the protestors. He told them a long time ago, to set aside their petty differences and be about our children's business. Our children are not a priority, but foolishness is.
What does it take to get a brand new Board of Education? Those board members that were in office while the money was doing a disappearing act, should step down...Donna Lynch, Carolyn Hawkins,and Tyrone Williams, I just can't believe that they did not have a clue about anything? Were they that incompetent?
One of them had the nerve to send her child to Halifax Academy. Did she have any faith in the school system that she served? I can answer that...NO!
You should not be the one leaving, they should be leaving. It takes a BIG Person to deal with the numerous issues day in and day out...so you go to Chicago and make us extra proud of you in Halifax County! "
Kay B wrote on Aug 26, 2009 2:28 PM:
Happy for Gerry Middleton wrote on Aug 26, 2009 2:23 PM:
She is a product of Halifax County Schools, she used to be the Director of Exceptional Children, Principal of Brawley Middle School, and she also used to work at Department of Public Instruction. Let's go ahead and add...former Assistant Superintendent of Charleston County Public Schools, and former Assistant Superintendent of Ann Arbor Public Schools. More experience than any of yall responding negatively can accomplish in a lifetime.
She came back to help this poor, rural county...only to get stabbed in the back by former co-workers, colleagues, and so called friends. They were not your friends Ms. Middleton, but haters!
Let's put the blame where it lies...the Halifax County Board of Education...starting with former Chairperson Charles Swindell and then Tyrone Williams. Let's not forget former leaders...Willie Gilchrist and Carolyn Johnson. Let's ask these people...where's the money? Let's ask them why have test scores been at rock bottom for the past 5 to 7 years. Let's ask them about paying people on the payroll six figures, when they certainly did not deserve those salaries,lets ask them about the Leandro funds and those nice gift cards that were given out to Walmart a few years ago. Oh, let's not forget those missing computers. All of this happened long before she arrived 2 years ago. Why were the books unbalanced...I can on and on.
Ms. Middleton was not even in the district 5 or 7 years ago, so who's to blame? Let's wake up people and smell the coffee! These problems existed long before Ms. Middleton got here. When are yall going to see the real, true picture? Please take the blinders off and be realistic and not stupid and ignorant to the facts.
Maybe now...yall will really consider who you VOTE for to be on the Board of Education. Everything that glitter is not gold, in this case, everyone that glitter is not gold. "
Dima528 wrote on Aug 26, 2009 7:45 AM:
Employee wrote on Aug 25, 2009 9:21 AM:
Nice wrote on Aug 25, 2009 9:11 AM:
HAHA wrote on Aug 25, 2009 9:05 AM:
A True Leader wrote on Aug 24, 2009 12:40 PM:
Educator5 wrote on Aug 22, 2009 3:16 PM:
Educator5 wrote on Aug 21, 2009 8:55 AM:
HCS lost in space wrote on Aug 20, 2009 2:55 PM:
Phats wrote on Aug 20, 2009 2:53 PM:
Supporter wrote on Aug 20, 2009 2:05 PM:
Supporter wrote on Aug 20, 2009 2:01 PM:
Supporter of Gerry Middleton wrote on Aug 20, 2009 1:15 PM:
Now, who shall come in and reign over this messed up school district? Perhaps Dr. Willie Gilchrist should return. (Oh no, he's too scared). Or perhaps it will be County Commissioner, Carolyn Johnson. (Oh no, she's done a disappearing act).
Yes, your haters feel that they gotton the victory, but to God be the Glory. You are the true winner and the true conqueror and they are too incompetent to see the truth.
Those that know you well, know that you love children and want nothing but the best for them. You believe in Schools of Distinction and you have high expectations for your Halifax County Schools Staff and Faculty.
Hold you head up high and know that you still have supporters on your side. You will go far in life. You are too BIG for Halifax County Schools. Good luck in Chicago! "
Crooked wrote on Aug 19, 2009 6:26 PM:
True Follower wrote on Aug 19, 2009 4:55 PM:
Student wrote on Aug 19, 2009 4:49 PM:
Don wrote on Aug 19, 2009 4:44 PM:
A True Leader wrote on Aug 19, 2009 4:39 PM:
Concerned Parent wrote on Aug 19, 2009 11:36 AM:
Julius Webb Sr. wrote on Aug 19, 2009 11:35 AM:
May God continue to bless you and yours! "
Educator5 wrote on Aug 19, 2009 9:59 AM:
HCS supporter wrote on Aug 18, 2009 7:05 PM:
Hopefully, she will be in a school system that is not full of turmoil. Now maybe HCS can put away the "good ole boy" routine and hire someone who can really improve the system. "
Concerned wrote on Aug 18, 2009 4:58 PM:
A True Leader wrote on Aug 18, 2009 3:47 PM: