| Updated: 10/29/2010 9:05 am |
Published: 10/28/2010 8:57 pm |
LITTLE ROCK, AR - Thursday night, the Little Rock School Board elected a new president, and the president of the teacher’s union is angry with its choice.
Cathy Koehler of the Little Rock Education Association put the school board on notice Thursday night, even before it elected Melanie Fox president.
“We will be watching every decision you make. I hope that some of you go home and have serious thinking time about the judgement you have or the lack thereof," says Koehler.
After the elections took place, Cathy Koehler said that she does not trust the board.
“They voted a school board president who has both of their children in private schools. That shoes a lack of respect for the families that have their children in public schools in Little Rock," says Koehler.
After the meeting was completed, Melanie Fox responded to the accusations.
"I think she's upset that I was selected as president. I do have a daughter in private school. It has nothing to do with the instructional value of the middle school she would attend. It's one of the best in the district. It has great teachers, great leadership, it's a safe school. I made my decision on other reasons. And I'm sorry if that upsets Cathy, but I'm still going to work as hard as anyone this board for this district. I've lived in this city, I care about this city, and I care about these kids."
Michael Nellums, one of the board’s new members who is also the principal of Mills High School in Pulaski County Special School District, and past president Katherine Mitchell asked everyone in attendance to stay civil.
"We want to be as respectful as possible when we're in public places and when we're in public meetings because someone's feelings are affected by our sharp tounges and acerbic wits," said Nellums.
"I do not try to tell the people we've hired to run this district how to run it. We pay people to do that," said Mitchell.
Fox ran unopposed for the position.
