Norfolk’s political scene took an unexpected turn on June 24, as the City Council gathered to commend recently-dismissed Norfolk Public Schools Superintendent Sharon Byrdsong. This surprising event occurred despite her tenure being marred by declining student performance metrics and a now-concluded U.S. Justice Department civil rights investigation.
The event sparked controversy for two main reasons. Firstly, the city leaders chose to publicly celebrate a figure associated with a struggling educational system. Secondly, it appeared as a snub to the School Board’s decision to terminate Byrdsong, revealing underlying tensions between the two elected bodies.
Councilman Tommy Smiegel, who has a known connection to Byrdsong, notably disrupted the school board meeting where the termination decision was made. His actions highlighted a perceived bias, possibly rooted in his own ties to Byrdsong, who played a role in his appointment as principal at Granby High School.
Adding to the complexity, Vice Mayor Martin Thomas has been vocal on social media about reverting to an appointed school board, potentially undermining the decision made by voters. The mayor’s role in allowing this public acknowledgment of Byrdsong’s service also raises questions about the judgment of Norfolk’s leadership.
This celebration is seen as a direct challenge to the School Board’s decision, which was based on the superintendent’s performance and interpersonal issues. Such public disagreements between political entities can erode trust in local governance and transparency.
Whether Byrdsong’s dismissal was justified is up for debate, but the School Board exercised its rightful authority. A clear explanation for her termination might have aided transparency, yet the solution lies in electoral processes, not altering governance structures. Publicly honoring a dismissed leader and debating system changes due to one decision signifies potential dysfunction within Norfolk’s political landscape.
Is this the new norm for Norfolk? If so, it prompts comparisons to historical mishaps, reminiscent of the Roma airship accident from a century ago.
Butch Bracknell of Norfolk is a lawyer and retired U.S. Marine Corps officer.
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