Harper Vows To Appeal License Revocation Recommendation

Photo: Dr. John Harper, Bartow County schools superintendent. Credit: Bartow County School System

Bartow County Superintendent of Schools Dr. John Harper said he will appeal a recommendation to revoke his professional license by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission’s Educator Ethics Review Committee.

Dr. Harper late Friday morning released the following statement addressing the recommendation as well as the complaints made against him:

“I want to emphatically tell the Bartow community that I have done nothing wrong nor would I ever do anything to violate the public trust given to me by this community. I have spent my entire 45-year career dedicated to serving children and the staff with whom I have had the opportunity to work.

“I am innocent of the false and slanderous allegations made against me as a result of a political vendetta and smear campaign by a couple of former board members. I have told the Commission that I will appeal their recommendation regarding my certification and know that at the conclusion of that appeal, the truth will prevail and all allegation will be dismissed.

“I am grateful for the widespread support that continues to be shown by this community, the current board and the Bartow County School System. I look forward to continue my work for our children and staff as superintendent and my lifelong dedication to education by serving out my commitment to the school system.”

Former Bartow County School Board members Matt Shultz and Wanda Gray filed the allegations with the Commission against Dr. Harper and Donald Rucker, the former principal of South Central Middle School, which entailed:

It is alleged that the educator (Harper) has been dishonest regarding meetings of the BOE where finances were discussed. It is alleged that the educator has falsified documents by back dating an agreement for use of school facilities by a private business. It is alleged that the educator failed to investigate, report or take action regarding complaints of sexual harassment made by school system staff members pertaining to a school system principal. It is alleged that the educator has engaged in sexual harassment of school system staff members. It is alleged that the educator conspired with others to withhold information from members of the local board of education.

Paul Shaw, director of director of GaPSC’s Ethics Division, said an educator seeking an appeal will request an administrative hearing with the Georgia Attorney General’s Office, who will assign an administrative law judge to the case.

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