That group is making its intention heard and calling for others to join their cause.
Bright and early Monday morning, the group, calling themselves Concerned Citizens for Duplin County Education, held a rally on the courthouse steps. Many carried white cardboard signs, a red ‘no’ symbol encircling Doby’s name. The signs simply read “No Doby.”
About 20-25 people attended the rally, with some spilling into the Duplin County Board of Commissioners meeting, held an hour later. Their sole purpose, group members said, is to express their opinions about the superintendent they simply don’t have confidence in as a leader.
In addition to carrying signs, the group was also passing out bright orange flyers asking residents to call Board of Education members, expressing their own concerns about the superintendent. The flyers, which begin with “No Doby Contract!,” have every board member’s name and telephone number printed on them, along with the statement “stop superintendent Doby’s contract from renewing. We deserve better!”
The flyer calls for residents to contact board members before the Nov. 10 meeting, being held at Warsaw Middle School, and to wear red shirts to show support on the night of that meeting.
On Monday, Rodney Scott, Franklin Fussell and several other members of the citizens group made no formal comments to the commissioners, Fussell did mention the rally during his presentation regarding the Civil War Confederate Sword Factory.
Scott explained during the break that they were a part of several citizens in Duplin County who had some serious concerns regarding Doby.
“His contract is up soon, and we are actively seeking that his contract is not renewed.”
Doby, contacted by telephone Monday afternoon, said those opposed to his superintendency had a right to their opinion.
“They have the right to say what they want, and I support them in that right,” the superintendent said.
But Doby was emphatic that he hoped he would be evaluated based on the improvements the school system had made during his four years at the helm.
“I think in making a judgement on my tenure after four years as superintendent, you must look at the improvements in the Duplin County School system.
“The schools have shown may improvement as a system; we’ve seen improvements in student performance, in financial programs, and our facilities have been improved.”
Doby further emphasized the quality of the system’s educational staff, saying, “they also have shown improvement through the hiring of quality personnel.
“...That is how I hope to be evaluated in my job as superintendent.”
Scott expressed that some of the group’s concerns included the lawsuit initiated by the school board against the county commissioners over school funding that “has costs the county millions” of dollars. He went on to say that the group believes there has been mismanagement of the schools under Doby’s tenure as well as the consolidation of the two high schools. Finally the Doby opponent said that the illegal attempt to close the James Kenan School of Engineering was one other reason that the group feels the superintendent’s employment should not be extended.
Assistant superintendent Bo Mullins, director of human resources for the school system, confirmed that Doby’s contract would expire June 30, 2010. He further verified that the school board must give the superintendent a six-month notice of its intent to extend or terminate the system’s relationship with him.
Mullins expressed that the school board would have to take action at one of the two remaining board meetings prior to the end of year. The school board will only have one meeting in November and one in December. The November meeting will be next Tuesday at Warsaw Middle School. December’s meeting will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 1 in the Board of Education board room.
To contact Billy Todd, call 910-592-8137 ext. 117 or e-mail sigeneral@myclintonnc.com.
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