Residents in Southampton County, Virginia, are demanding the resignation of top school officials following the release of an independent investigation that uncovered significant financial mismanagement within the school district. During a contentious school board meeting on Monday, community members called for the removal of Superintendent Dr. Gwendolyn Shannon and School Board Chairwoman Dr. Deborah Goodwyn.
The public outcry comes after a report, presented to the County Board of Supervisors on October 2, detailed troubling financial practices, including lost grants and undocumented spending. The findings have raised serious questions about transparency and accountability in the leadership of Southampton County Public Schools.
Key Takeaways
- An independent investigation found evidence of severe financial mismanagement in Southampton County Public Schools.
- Community members are publicly calling for the resignations of the Superintendent and the School Board Chair.
- The report highlighted lost grant opportunities, undocumented spending of a $50,000 grant, and improper use of federal ESSER funds.
- School board member Natalie King has expressed deep concern over the findings and a lack of transparency.
Public Outcry at School Board Meeting
The first Southampton County School Board meeting since the investigation's findings were made public was marked by intense public criticism. Held on Monday, the meeting saw numerous residents step forward to voice their disapproval of the current leadership.
One by one, speakers addressed the board, with many directly calling for new leadership. "Dr. Goodwyn and Dr. Shannon, I call for the resignation," a resident stated during the public comment period. "You are not fit to lead Southampton Public Schools." This sentiment was echoed by others who expressed a deep loss of trust in the school division's administration.
The atmosphere was tense as citizens demanded answers about the financial irregularities outlined in the report. "Right now, the appearance is something is being hid," another speaker said, reflecting a widespread concern about a lack of transparency. In response to the public pressure and the gravity of the report, the board later entered a closed session to continue its discussion of the findings away from public view.
Investigation Uncovers Troubling Financial Practices
The controversy stems from an independent investigation commissioned to examine the school district's finances. Attorney Chuck Slemp, presenting the findings at a special meeting on October 2, described the discoveries as alarming. "We followed the money, and what we found was troubling," Slemp told the Southampton County Board of Supervisors.
The report raised what Slemp called "significant concerns about record keeping." The investigation focused on the use of public and grant funds, revealing a pattern of mismanagement and missed opportunities that directly impacted students and school facilities.
What Are ESSER Funds?
The Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Fund is part of a federal government response to the COVID-19 pandemic. These funds were distributed to school districts to address learning loss, improve school facilities for safety (like ventilation), and purchase educational technology.
Specific Grant and Fund Mismanagement
The investigation provided several concrete examples of financial failings within the school division. According to the report, these issues represent a significant breakdown in fiscal responsibility.
- Lost Grant Funding: The school district lost a Hampton Roads Workforce Council Grant in 2022 and subsequently failed to reapply for it, forfeiting potential resources for students.
- Undocumented Spending: Southampton County Public Schools was awarded a $50,000 grant for the Teachers for Tomorrow Program. However, investigators could only find documentation for the expenditure of $2,000 of that amount, leaving $48,000 unaccounted for.
- Misused Federal Funds: Federal ESSER funds, intended for critical pandemic-related needs, were reportedly not used for essential projects like HVAC cleaning or necessary upgrades to school properties.
The list of financial inconsistencies was extensive, painting a picture of a system lacking proper oversight and control over its resources.
Lack of Cooperation and Transparency Cited
Compounding the financial issues was a reported lack of cooperation from school leadership during the investigation. The law firm conducting the review stated that their efforts to get explanations for the inconsistencies were met with resistance.
"If the school division didn’t want to talk to us, we asked the questions and now the public is going to ask them a lot of hard questions," Attorney Chuck Slemp commented, foreshadowing the public backlash that would follow.
This claim of opacity was supported by a sitting board member, further eroding public confidence. The perception that leadership was unwilling to provide clear answers fueled the community's frustration at the Monday board meeting.
A Board Member's Perspective
In a formal response to the investigation, School Board member Natalie King voiced her own concerns, aligning with many of the community's complaints. She highlighted the negative impact on students and the challenges she faced in obtaining information.
"What troubles me most is that the issues raised—ranging from lost grant opportunities to facilities in disrepair and a lack of transparency—ultimately harm the very students we are here to serve. I have personally encountered challenges in obtaining information, even as a sitting board member, through the Freedom of Information Act process."
King emphasized that restricted access to information undermines public trust and hinders the board's ability to solve problems effectively. "I will continue to work diligently, to the best of my ability, to advocate for our students, support our staff, and ensure accountability and transparency on behalf of the community," she concluded.
Her statement underscores the seriousness of the situation, indicating that concerns about transparency exist even within the school board itself. The board has not yet announced what actions it will take in response to the investigation's findings.
