It is key to fill the position of chairman of the Columbia County Board of Education with the right person in the upcoming election.

The breakdown of checks and balances designed to protect the fair, honest and efficient management of our school system is evident through the news and public record. When a system exists with neither backup for its components, support for the leadership across the schools or accountability for its actions, it leaves teachers and principals in a hopelessly vulnerable position.

Our central office has failed to provide the administrative backup of well-qualified principals that enable them to effectively manage their schools without fear of reprisal for upholding school policy and the code of conduct parents sign each year.

Concerns of drug use, bathroom violence, racial tension, dress code violations, teacher misconduct and liberal approval of Richmond County residents into our overcrowded schools go unreported because principals too often have been left in positions of responsibility but with no authority to uphold outdated policies.

The third elementary school principal has been eliminated from our system, based on unsubstantiated accusations by those with personal agendas and supported by the central office. This has scarred Greenbrier Elementary School, and confirms a clear pattern of reprisal for anyone who speaks out, suggesting our central office successfully instills an environment of fear and intimidation among our principals, teachers and support staff. Principals have been strategically replaced with others to quiet the possibility of thinking outside the box.

The current board members seem content with decisions and style of the superintendent and his subordinates. I hold them directly responsible for low morale in the schools, the lack of trust of the leadership and the lack of support of our principals and teachers. Overhaul of the BOE is long overdue.

Leslie Wood, Evans