Cheeseman Named Superintendent Of The Year – Really? | Eastern NC Now

    A lot of discussion has pertained to budget and money regarding decisions being made in Beaufort County schools over the past year. This deals primarily with the new mega-school in Washington and the proposed closing of Snowden. The cost to taxpayers for the new school is $10.5 million already and that doesn't count the $500 thousand wasted on four acres of land. Cheeseman has failed to provide a title search or how the land was appraised. Information regarding the real "cost savings" by closing Snowden has been requested and again, not provided. The fact that the board chose a contractor based on Cheeseman's recommendation to build the new school shows incompetence on his part and failed leadership or fiscal irresponsibility as well. This contractor was already being sued by the Beaufort County, S. C. school district for cost overruns and other issues related to construction there. Choosing a questionable firm that is already exhibiting problems for the new school in Washington certainly shows a lack of due diligence. This construction contract is only one of many questionable contract decisions made at Cheeseman's encouragement. He recommended an attorney from Durham County to be Beaufort County's school board attorney. This same attorney also represents North Carolina Department of Public Instruction and was the attorney at Cheeseman's previous school district. The contracts for grounds maintenance, website development/support, and others have been sent outside of Beaufort County for higher dollar amounts during Cheeseman's time here. Does this exemplify "strong and effective leadership work", that he is an "advocate for rural southeastern NC" or "as an example of integrity"?

    We continue to see bullying and violence in our Beaufort County schools. One reason given for the need to build the new school in Washington was a lack of outer security at the existing facility. However, it is not outside threats that are impacting our schools, those threats are coming from within. We have had students stabbed and raped in our public schools. We have had teachers assaulted in our schools requiring them to undergo surgery and extensive rehabilitation. Teachers have to deal with physical abuse from students with no recourse, even from students in kindergarten. Conversely, we recently have seen a teacher arrested for assaulting two special needs students in Bath. All of this has been swept under the rug as much as possible with little, if any, news coming out of the superintendent's office. The same can be said for the extensive amount of damage caused by the vandalism of Washington High School. Where was the accountability? Cheeseman's solution was to pay for metal detectors as the solution, as opposed to amnesty boxes as recommended by the Sheriff's office. However, this only provides the notion of security, not actual security due to the fact the metal detectors are not used and sit idle by the front door at some schools. Even if they are used, it can only be for a few students due to multiple entrances and the need to get so many people into the building in a reasonable timeframe. Is this security, was it a fiscally responsible expenditure? It certainly brings "strong and effective leadership work" into question.

    Beaufort County Schools' exceptional student program is in shambles. The students are being failed in the classroom or left behind. Teachers may or may not have the required certifications. Individualized Education Programs (IEP) for students are not being followed in many cases which opens the school district up for many potential lawsuits. This not only fails our students and families but is a potential fiscal liability as well.

    Finally, allegations of election interference on the part of Cheeseman by either him or other members of the school administration bring into question his credibility, moral fortitude and to what extent he will go to retain his position as superintendent. There was much discussion made about the use of the BCS logo on one candidate's yard signs. This was brought up by the superintendent during closed session of the school board and open session. Legal action was even considered although found to be a moot point as the logo was not copyright protected and was considered public domain. Furthermore, one board member wore apparel with the BCS logo on it while campaigning without complaint. This is certainly a double standard. Other candidates had their assignments as substitute teachers suspended due to supposed "conflicts of interest" because they were running for school board even though they were not BCS employees. One candidate was even offered a position in the school system if they were willing to drop out of the race. Does any of this seem ethical?

    There may be many accomplishments that have not been highlighted related to Dr. Cheeseman. However, based on the information presented above, it is certainly questionable that those pros outweigh the cons when a "Superintendent of the Year" is being chosen. Are Beaufort County Schools really an environment led by someone exhibiting "strong and effective leadership work"; that "engages with educators and stakeholders at all levels to ensure that the voices of many are heard"; is an "advocate for rural southeastern NC"; and that serves "as an example of integrity"? The argument can be made that they are not, and change is needed. If the cheese is old and moldy, maybe it's time to throw it out. Then again, maybe this is all just the result of an ineffective school board, and the time has come to elect individuals who will provide the oversight and guidance required to effectively guide and strengthen our county schools.