Cox receives sendoff

As Superintendent David Cox entered the Floyd T. Binns Middle School library Monday evening, the audience stood and cheered for the longtime leader of Culpeper County Public Schools.

Nearly 60 people — many wearing black armbands — gathered between narrow bookshelves to show their support for Cox, 46, during a special meeting of the School Board.

The support follows the board’s 5-2 vote Friday to approve an agreement allowing Cox to take a yearlong paid sabbatical, effective today. Elizabeth Hutchins and Leanne Jenkins dissented.

During Monday’s meeting, the board voted 5-2 to appoint Larry Carter, executive director of administrative services, as acting superintendent. Hutchins and Jenkins voted in opposition, citing financial reasons.

“It’s nothing against Dr. Carter,” Hutchins clarified, with Jenkins agreeing.

The board gave signature authority to Human Resources Director Starr Rowe in the absence of the superintendent.

Board members did not discuss the reasons behind Cox’s resignation; however, member Bob Beard has said it was a mutual decision and was not based on a negative performance review.

Before the action items, Cox brought the board up to speed with his year-end summary report, talking about the school system’s yearlong progress.

“Chief among our challenges as we asked different groups of people and identified the goal areas was getting our two new schools open and up and going,” he said about Eastern View High and Yowell Elementary.

“I’m pleased to say that we worked very hard and creatively to meet these major goals,” he said.

The two schools are set to open this fall, alleviating overcrowding in the county’s existing eight schools.

Cox also pointed to the budget constraints as being difficult.

At the end of the 40-minute meeting, parents, teachers, principals and staff gave Cox another standing ovation.

Minutes later, people stood in a long line waiting to shower Cox with hugs and handshakes while wishing him well on his next endeavor.

Cox humbly thanked the crowd for its enthusiastic support.

“I’m overwhelmed and so appreciative,” Cox said after Monday’s meeting. “I’ve lost count of the e-mails and phone calls from the folks who have personally expressed their support. I’m truly overwhelmed, and I’m blessed.”

Per a negotiated deal, Cox will officially resign June 30, 2009; until then, he will provide consulting and transition services to the board.

Cox will be paid his full salary and benefits for the last three years of his four-year contract, unless he finds employment elsewhere before June 30, 2011.
Cox began working for CCPS in 2001.

Carter, 61, served as the division’s executive director of administrative services since the fall of 2004. Prior to that, he has served as principal of Culpeper County and Madison County high schools and began his teaching career in 1969 as a health and physical education teacher.

Parental concerns
Immediately following the meeting, CCPS parent Robin Bolt walked up to Dasher and expressed her disappointment about Cox’s imminent departure.

“I just think kids need to come first, and that’s been Dr. Cox’s theme the whole time,” she said. “I’m a little concerned about the buyout and the financial (constraints) and he could be working.”

“I personally have the utmost respect for Dr. Cox,” Bolt added.

CCPS parent Kelly Trout had some questions of her own.

“If he wasn’t good enough to do the job, then why is he consulting?” she asked. “Everybody needs to work for the kids. We need some explanations. That’s why we’re all here.”

Rhonda Simmons can be reached at 825-0771 ext. 125 or