NASHVILLE, Ga. —
Speaking to The Valdosta Daily Times about the possible discontinuation of the Berrien Elementary School MED Clinic led to the program’s executive director losing her job Monday morning.
Sherrie Williams said she was fired for sharing concerns with The Valdosta Daily Times regarding the future of the clinic, which provides students access to health care within the school.
Constance Thomas, executive director of Berrien County Collaborative, said there was no termination of employment; she said Williams resigned Monday morning.
Williams said she did not resign as the MED Clinic’s executive director.
“She told me my services were no longer needed and asked why I didn’t run the article before her prior to it being published,” said Williams. “I basically got in trouble for freedom of speech.”
Williams said she would not pursue the termination in court to avoid any further damage to the clinic, but has decided instead to spend more time with her children at home.
“(The termination) has been coming for a while,” said Williams. “This has turned out to be such a political job. It’s all about politics and kids were not the priority for some. Hopefully, this will strengthen the MED Clinic and whoever the successor is, hopefully they’ll be able to keep it going.”
In spite of her job loss, Williams believes the article and her termination brought attention to the program that she was unable to garner during her employment.
Thomas said Williams should have informed her of speaking with The Times.
“Anything that is going to be in print about the collaborative, or the work we do in the community, I would like to be privy before it goes on air or runs in the news. I was not aware of this,” said Thomas. “In my opinion, we have a wonderful future ahead for the MED Clinic.
Thomas said the MED Clinic is still scheduled to make a presentation before the Berrien County school board on Feb. 14. It has not been determined who will present that information at this time.
“I think they have some questions like they do with every program such as how we are running and to find the most effective way to continue running the clinic,” said Thomas. “We have an excellent relationship between the Collaborative, the Board of Education and our local governments. I think we have a very bright future ahead.”
Regarding Williams’ employment and speaking with the press, Berrien County Board of Education Assistant Superintendent Dr. Lilli Drawdy said, “I don’t want to make a statement on that at this time. I think that’s fairly obvious.”
Drawdy said the clinic was a “valuable asset to our students and faculty, many of which have been under-served in the past.”
She also said all programs within the school system underwent periodic checks to ensure they are operating at maximum efficiency. She also said school nurses received a 1 percent pay raise for the 2012 school year.
“Our future intentions for the clinic is to have the entire program continue to serve our students,” said Drawdy.
For more on this story and other local news, subscribe to The Valdosta Daily Times e-Edition, or our print edition.
