VALDOSTA —
Concerning the retirement of two African-American principals from the Valdosta City School System — Rufus McDuffie from Valdosta High School and Sandra Allen from J.L. Lomax Elementary School— Rev. Floyd Rose, President of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) and community member George Rhynes addressed the Valdosta Board of Education at Monday night ‘s work session about racial inequality in the school system.
“Were they replaced by white principals?” Rose asked VCS’s Superintendent Dr. Bill Cason (who recently returned from a leave of absence for health issues) referring to McDuffie and Allen.
Cason replied that one principal has been replaced by a white candidate and the other principal position was just voted on to possibly be replaced by a white candidate.
In a press release from Rose earlier Monday, it was indicated that the two newly retired African-American principals were, in so many words, “forced out of the school system.”
“Although (McDuffie) says he retired as VHS’s first black principal (after one year), it is difficult for us to believe that his job was not made unnecessarily difficult, and that contributed to his decision to leave,” wrote Floyd.
After rumors began regarding McDuffie’s retirement announcement in May, McDuffie contacted the Times and volunteered for an interview to clarify his reasons for leaving.
“Nobody asked me to retire, nobody asked me to step down, nothing else took place,” stated McDuffie in a June article.
McDuffie never indicated to the Times that he was forced out of his position by the school system.
Rose never stated whether he had spoken with either McDuffie or Allen before his presentation to the board.
According to Rose, African-American students in the school system go through all 13 years of schooling without having a African-American teacher or principal. He also stated that all positions of authority at the VCS system are held by white employees.
“The ultimate authority belongs to somebody white,” said Rose after he listed several positions that are currently held by white employees.
Floyd stated that African-American children are influenced by what they hear and what they see. It is Floyd’s belief that they do not see African-American teachers or administrators in their school system.
This sentiment was continued by Rhynes who compared the VCS system to a Martian planet.
“You can’t identify, you can’t relate,” said Rhynes.
While Rhynes stated that two more black principals would not solve the problem, he indicated that he and others like him would not accept what is not right.
“There are some of us who know the history of our people and we can’t accept the way things are,” said Rhynes.
While the city school system is currently working to comply with a federal desegregation order (which was brought up by Rhynes in public participation), J.L. Newbern Middle School remains the only school out of compliance.
However, the non-compliant staffing situation is not that there is a shortage of African-American teachers, but rather, a shortage of white teachers in terms of district ratios.
There was no indication from the city school system nor the retired principals that this was in any way related to the system’s desegregation compliance.
In other business:
• The board approved a fiscal agreement with Lowndes/Valdosta Commission for Children and Youth (LCCY).
• Open bids were received for the construction of the new Pinevale Elementary School. Out of 11 bids, Elkins Construction was the lowest bid at over $18 million.
• Dr. Alvin Hudson entered the first reading of Policy JDD — regarding changes to student suspension — and Policy JBD — regarding changes to absences and excuses— for which the board discussed at length.
• Matt Jansen with the Boys and Girls Club presented grant information regarding a school based health center.
• Dr. Hudson updated the board on Ombudsman progression.
For more on this story and other local news, subscribe to The Valdosta Daily Times e-Edition, or our print edition.
