COMMENTARY
by Sandra Clark

Laughing to the bank

Expect the Knox County Board of Education to select an interim superintendent at their March 7 meeting.

Odds are they’ll pick deputy superintendent Roy Mullins, who served as interim superintendent between the tenures of Allen Morgan and Charles Lindsey.

Here’s hoping the board will seek massive public input before hiring our next superintendent. Here’s hoping the next contract will be drawn by a lawyer whose chief objective is to protect taxpayers.

That was not the case with Dr. Lindsey’s contract, and his termination could end up costing taxpayers more than $400,000.

A supporter of Charles Lindsey (yes, there is one) said, “He came in here to shake things up. Mission accomplished.”

But most folks are glad to see Lindsey gone.

Apparently board chair Karen Carson negotiated with Lindsey on behalf of the board.

She launched last Tuesday’s meeting with this statement: “We don’t want a superintendent in a lame duck position or to hold the system back.” Carson said she sensed a desire for a change in leadership last year when board members failed to extend Lindsey’s contract. She spoke with Lindsey and he spoke with each board member.

An insider said board members were split on whether to buy out the contract or let it run. There was little if any support for extending the contract.

“We’ve seen tremendous positive change that cannot be denied and should be celebrated,” Carson said, making a motion to buy out Lindsey’s contract immediately. The motion was seconded by several. It passed unanimously and without discussion.

Lindsey responded: “I appreciate the board’s position. ... We have done this together, the right way. This has not turned into a food fight.”

Lindsey cited his 8-year record and the district’s improved test scores. He said he leaves the school system better than he found it. “I have nothing but good things to say about this board. We have accomplished great things.”

Carson recessed the meeting. She and Lindsey moved outside the meeting room for interviews. Kim Waller, president of the Knox County Education Association, walked into the room. She sat down by Betty Crawford and asked, “Did I miss anything?”

It went that quickly.

Lindsey’s buyout includes payment of his salary for 18 months or a lump sum if he finds another job. That payout will range from $326,381 to $404,301 depending on whether the new job has retirement benefits in the Tennessee system. Lindsey’s daily rate of salary and benefits was $957.13 on a 255-day contract.

Not only will he be paid for not working, but Lindsey’s estate will receive a full settlement in the event he dies.

School board members were exempted from term limits in the Supreme Court ruling. Four whose terms expire in 2008 are: Carson, Jim Williams, Cindy Buttry and Indya Kincannon.

Gossip and Lies

Bill Haslam will kick off his re-election campaign at breakfast Tuesday, March 6, at the Knoxville Museum of Art. The host committee is vast and includes Sheriff Jimmy “JJ” Jones.

Irene McCrary is a candidate for Knox County Republican Party chair. She chairs the Shannondale GOP precinct.

GOP precinct committees will reorganize at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 1, at various polling places. The county convention will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 10, at Holston Middle School. Info: 689-4671.

Knox County Beer Board will consider revocation of license for two north area stores: Maynardville Mart, 8942 Maynardville Hwy., and Powell Chevron, 7135 Clinton Hwy. The board meets today (Feb. 26) at 1 p.m. in the City County Building.