New Chair Chosen To Lead Bartow School Board

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A subdued crowed looked on Monday evening as the Bartow County School Board chose Anna Sullivan to serve as the 2012 board chair.

Fellow board member John Howard was also elected to serve as vice chair for 2015. The new chair succeeds Dr. Davis Nelson, who served as chair in 2014.

The change comes on the heels of allegations made by former Bartow School Board member Matt Shultz, who said Nelson, Superintendent Dr. John Harper and other board members “purposefully kept information” from him and others who were investigating complaints of sexual harassment.

Shultz took those allegations to the Georgia Professional Standards Commission, which found probable cause to revoke Dr. Harper’s license. Harper late last week said he will appeal the commission’s ruling with the Georgia Attorney General’s Office.

Despite the news of the allegations, at least one member of the public is standing by the superintendent. Olen Suire, a member of the Bartow Education Foundation, said he’s work with three different superintendents over the 15 years of his involvement with the foundation.

“Some were tough to work with and weren’t as quite collaborative as our current superintendent,” he added, noting he’s mentioned to various business leaders “how refreshing it was to have a superintendent that actually collaborates with the community.”

Suire, who served four years as president of the Foundation, added it’s been a pleasure to work with Harper and extends his support as the superintendent embarks on his appeal.

“I urge you all to please let that system play itself out before making an employment decision,” Suire said.

What Should You Read Next?

• State: Could Take Up To 2 Months to Get Harper Case File
• Harper Vows To Appeal License Revocation Recommendation
• Complaint: Bartow Super “Dishonest” About Finances, Failed To Probe Sexual Harassment Claims
• GaPSC: “We Did Make a Decision” in Harper, Rucker Case
• Bartow School Board Rep Announces Run for State School Superintendent
• Bartow BOE: We Deserve Better

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