I was excited to find this article in the St. Louis American because it’s talking about an educational issue in my assigned community, Ferguson Missouri. In that community there has been controversy and rallies against, and in favor of Superintendent Art McCoy Jr.’s resignation. Prior to being assigned to this community I was unaware of this educational issue. The article talks about Tuesday’s election, regarding the Ferguson-Florissant school board. Despite the angry protests and rallies of support for Ferguson-Florissant Superintendent Art McCoy Jr. voters were not able to oust the two incumbents who voted to place McCoy on suspended leave in November.
In November the two incumbents voted to place McCoy on Administrative leave. McCoy had been on paid suspension since November and subsequently resigned in March. The Citizens’ Taskforce on Excellence in Education highly criticized the board’s November action and organized the three Grade A candidates in response. However, article explained that poll workers from both sides were engaged in friendly conversation showing that all care for the same issue. Working together is a powerful tool especially in the field of social work.
Although little information was given to the public about McCoy’s suspension, it is my understanding that he and the school board have had unresolved issues/differences for several months. It is my understanding that Mr. McCoy gave his credentials to a long time friend and previous board member who left in 2011. However, the records have been sealed as a part of the separation and I may never know what really happened. However, he resigned on March 13, 2014. There was concern about Mr. McCoy’s, (an African American), removal by an all white board because the students in that district are predominately black. Mr. McCoy was supported by parents, students, and others in the community. His contract was to end in June 2016.
Questions: How do you feel about a school district that has an all white school board and predominately black students? Why?
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