KENANSVILLE — With the rumble of discontent ever increasing, Duplin County Schools superintendent Dr. Wiley Doby decided Tuesday night not to seek renewal of his contract.

And that decision has moved many to quell the sounds of protest and move in a more positive direction. Many interviewed Thursday indicated that Doby’s decision not to seek a contract renewal when it expires in June 2010 put an end to the furor that had been building for some time from citizens in the county.

The superintendent announced his intention Tuesday night during a closed-door session of the board, which followed a public meeting that brought in a standing-room-only crowd, most wearing red to donate their desire to see the school chief ousted.

Unconfirmed reports indicate that the Duplin school board was about to deny the contract renewal when Doby interjected his own intention not to seek an extension.

Bo Mullins, assistant superintendent of human resources for Duplin County Schools, expressed his appreciation to Doby and extended his best wishes to him in his future endeavors.

“Following the board’s acceptance of Dr. Doby’s request, they announced that they would be advertising on the North Carolina School Boards Association’s website for applicants to fill the superintendent position. They also stated that the matter of the search for the new school administrator would be discussed at their next meeting Dec. 1.”

“It is always an uncertain time when a school system is without a superintendent, but Dr. Doby’s decision and the board’s acceptance of his decision would allow Duplin County Schools to move on from all the distractions that have been currently mounting and get back to the true purpose of educating our children.”

Assistant superintendent Cary Powers expressed the same sentiments wishing Doby well in the future. “The school system has worked hard for the kids and we will continue to do so following Dr. Doby’s departure. I have enjoyed working with him and wish him well.”

Karen Scalf, a member of the Concerned Citizens for Duplin County Education and a speaker during Tuesday night’s public comment section, said, “We are well pleased with the board’s decision to finally address the issue of poor leadership in Duplin County Schools. Dr. Doby made a wise decision to step down at the end of his contract. Now it is time to focus on all levels of the education system, to clean up the destruction Dr. Doby has left behind. Duplin County Schools has a brighter future and we are actively seeking resumes for a true leader in education.

“Thank you (The Sampson Independent) for bringing light to this very serious issue affecting our great teachers and children. It is much appreciated!”

In the petition presented to the board by the Concerned Citizens, it stated, “I strongly encourage the Board of Education to not extend or renew the contract for the current superintendent, Dr. Wiley Doby, and to begin immediately a process to have a new superintendent in place for the school year beginning in July 2010.”

According to Scalf, the number of people who signed the petition was in excess of 500. It was that position that Scalf tossed in the air during Tuesday night’s meeting, saying they were likely worthless in the eyes of board chairwoman Emily Manning, who later accepted petition.

Duplin County commissioner David Fussell stated in a telephone interview that the superintendent’s position is not a commissioner’s issue but one for the Board of Education. “I have no issue with Dr. (Wiley) Doby. We still have concerns with the Board of Education,” Fussell said. “The superintendent is answerable to the Board of Education. The Board of Education holds a sword over the heads of the county’s citizens in their lawsuit” which the “taxpayers cannot afford. Until the education board decides to withdraw their suit, I see very little positive communication or action between to two boards.”

Another Concerned Citizens member, Jimmy Dixon, who was cut off during his comments during Tuesday night, said he was satisfied with the decision.

“I think Dr. Doby made the best decision, under the circumstances, for everyone involved,” Dixon said.

“ The situation could have and should have been handled differently. For over three months now Mr. (Jennings) Outlaw has tried to get the board to address the expiring contract of the superintendent. I believe his motivation in that attempt was to have the focus of the discussion to be solely about the expiring contract and reaching a timely decision. From the beginning I believe it was obvious to the public that there was a 3-to-3 split on the board in this matter. “

Dixon said he believed Manning and vice chairman Reginald Kenan favored renewing Doby’s contract, and he accused the two of stalling “in hopes of enhancing their position by keeping the discussion behind closed doors.”

“Sensing this, concerned citizens from three of our school districts, East Duplin, James Kenan, and Wallace-Rose Hill, took matters into their hands and forced the issue publicly,” Dixon said.

“They sent Emily Manning and Reginald Kenan, chairperson and vice-chairman respectively, a strong message; this is the people’s business,” he continued.

“This public campaign flushed the two of them and their strong arm tactics from behind closed doors. If Mrs. Manning and Mr. Kenan would leave when Dr. Doby leaves our county would be served even better by the efforts of those concerned enough to step up and raise their voices toward their oppressive tactics.”

Board member Reginald Kenan in a telephone interview commented only to say, “It is sad anytime someone loses a job. Dr. Doby has done some good things for this county and all we can do is wish him well in his future endeavors.”

Outlaw, also speaking by telephone, expressed that he had been working to get the board to discuss the superintendent’s contract for some time. “I would have liked for it to have come earlier than at the end of the situation. We were able to get the matter on the table for discussion Tuesday night, and finally a decision has been made and we can move on.”

Attempts to reach Manning and Doby were unanswered prior to press time.

To contact Billy Todd, call 910-592-8137 ext. 117 or e-mail sigeneral@myclintonnc.com