BENNETTSVILLE, SC (WBTW) – The Marlboro County School Board will seek new leadership for the 4,000-student public school system after a decision Monday to release Superintendent Dr. Helena Tillar, according to a press release from the board.
“The Board majority has reached the conclusion that the Marlboro County School District needs new leadership,” Board Chair Lucy Parsons said after a special school board meeting. “This is not simply a negative assessment of the District operations in the last few years, but a heartfelt conviction that we can do better, and thereby better serve our students, their families, and the citizens of Marlboro County. We owe it to our children and to our future.”
Dr. Tillar will take personal-administrative leave effective immediately, with full pay and benefits. The Board will consider a 12-month paid sabbatical for Dr. Tillar if a reasonable agreement can be reached, the press release states. During the sabbatical, she would be available to consult with the school district and Board of Education as requested.
Because there are differences of opinion about Tillar’s contract and an amendment added in 2014, the Board of Education voted to ask the South Carolina Circuit Court to decide the issue.
The board named Dr. John Lane to serve as acting superintendent pending a search for a permanent chief executive officer. Lane has been Marlboro County School District’s executive director for curriculum, instruction and assessment.
Tillar began her duties as superintendent in November 2010. Prior to joining Marlboro County School District, Tillar served as chief curriculum, instruction, and assessment officer in Orangeburg Consolidated School District Five.
“All board members appreciate Dr. Tillar’s hard work and contributions to our District and our community. We wish her the best in her future endeavors,” Parsons said.
This comes after the superintendent filed a grievance against the school board chairperson.
A 5 – 3 vote to place Superintendent Dr. Helena Tillar on administrative leave.
Chairperson Lucy Parsons read a statement.
“I move that the board act tonight to place Dr. Helena Tillar on personal administrative leave from her position,” said Parsons.
The board voted on three things:
- To place Dr. Tillar on administrative leave with pay (5-3)
- Ask a judge to determine if Dr. Tillars contract with the district is legal (5-3)
- Assign current employee John lane as interim superintendent effective immediately (4-3)
Board member Janice Bright said she, Nan Fleming and Michael Coachman had no idea the chair was going to fire Dr. Tillar.
Bright said when Dr. Tillar began as superintendent the district was at – risk of being taken over by the state.
“It’s a sad day in Marlboro County,” said Bright. “It’s just with great sadness that we have a board that is so divided that they will come with no evidence. No anything to dismiss her.”
Dr. Tillars attorney agrees with Bright. He said the board had no evidence to support their decision.
“The board sort of got stuck in the mud because they took action in which they had no rational basis. And when asked other board members why were they taking that action as you saw they had no answers,” said Hemphill Pride Dr. Tillars Attorney. “It was a matter of race. The white board members certainly got together. It was quite obvious. It’s always been a racial divide around here. It’s so unfortunate because I always thought that the children came first.”
Dr. Tillar addressed the crowd saying:
“What is occurring here tonight is personal. It is a persona l vendetta and it’s been that way since day one. I also want to say. I love Marlboro County. I love our school district. I respect and love each and every one of our employees. You’ve [all] worked very hard. I think that it’s important for us to understand and keep what’s important on the table. What’s important on the table are the children. That is what’s most important. I think you can tell that there was a meeting before the meeting because the board chair already had written statements on what she was going to say and stuff of that nature. But I want everybody to know its all well with me. The Lord sent me here for a term to serve and I’ve done that.”
Teacher Zakeya Reid said she hopes the board comes together and makes better decisions for the students throughout the county. She is an assistant at Bennettsville Intermediate. She wants the board to finalize plans on where students and teachers will be placed next school year.
“Our kids start school in three weeks. And some of them have no idea where they are going,” explained Reid.
