Witherspoon's exit on school board's agenda

Local News

February 5, 2010

KIMBERLY BELLAMY

A date has been set for Edgecombe County’s Board of Education to discuss a strategy for releasing Dr. Craig Witherspoon from his contract to start his new position as superintendent of Birmingham City Schools.

Monday during closed session of their regular Board of Education Meeting, the members will determine whether Witherspoon will be required to uphold the 60-day notice or negotiate a quicker leaving date.

“We should have specific dates at that meeting. We will be able to share with the public our outcomes,” said Evelyn Wilson, board chairwoman.

Witherspoon, who has been superintendent of Edgecombe County Public Schools for 3 1/2 years, accepted a contract offer which included a base salary of $185,000, and a compensation package totaling $242,000. Witherspoon makes $151,000 at ECPS.

The Birmingham Board of Education narrowed their search down from 50 candidates to three finalist, and finally to Witherpoon in a 6-3 vote during a meeting in mid December. Witherspoon was chosen unanimously on second vote.

The Birmingham City Schools, which has been under the direction an interim superintendent since March 2008, hasn’t confirmed a date for their permanent choice as superintendent to begin.

Birmingham Board member April Williams said that she isn’t aware of a starting date, because Witherspoon has failed to meet with Wilson and the other board members.

The Birmingham News reported that Witherspoon was at a District 8 educational forum Monday night where he announced that his official starting date will be March 22.

Witherspoon attended a Capital Improvement Plan meeting regarding building projects for the school district Tuesday.

Williams said she doesn’t anticipate Witherspoon being required to attend any other upcoming meetings but, “we have an agreement if there are items that he needs to attend, we will pay for it.”

Witherspoon wasn’t available for comment.