Selection process should not be taken lightly

 Dr. Michael Martin is gone.

I am sure as this word made its way around the county’s campuses on Friday, collective cries of joy were heard.

Many questions have begun to surface about his credibility and the credibility of those he surrounded himself with. There is no doubt that Martin  left under a cloud of suspicion.

That being said, it can’t be forgotten that his leadership took Campbell County Schools off the state’s targeted take over list.

Yes the teachers in the classroom were instrumental in moving the schools off the list. However, Martin was the person in charge of the school system when the changes were implemented.

Many, and I do mean many, people took offense at Martin’s approach. They found him abrasive and dictatorial.

But it worked- that can’t be argued.

Now the county is faced with finding a new director of schools. I implore upon everyone involved in that search, do not allow a person’s geographic background be the determining factor in the final decision.

There has to be more to a resume that an address line.

There are probably some qualified professionals who are Campbell County born and raised. But maybe there are also some individuals from outside the county who could do the job as well. The blinders can’t be put on at this juncture. Qualified professionals residing outside the county can’t be excluded solely because their roots are somewhere else.

Campbell County Schools have made progress in the last two years. However, many more areas need attention and improvement.

The possibility of the state of Tennessee taking over Campbell County Schools is still out there.

While hiring someone from within Campbell County could be the comfortable option, is it the right one?

I know all avenues should be truly explored. It is only then the new board of education can make an informed, educated decision about who will keep the schools moving forward.

The students of Campbell County deserve no less.