We have three finalists for Superintendent:
McClure said she didn’t believe that Evans’ resignation had anything to do with criticism that he awarded the woman who would later become his wife, Charlene M. Staley, a contract with the School Department last year.
In April, the district hired Staley to develop and administer a questionnaire to special-education staff at a cost of $4,200, in addition to compensation for travel, lodging and meals. The contract ran from April 17 until Aug. 1.
In an interview last week, Evans denied that there was any conflict of interest involving his wife, whom he married a month ago, and expressed “outrage” that anyone was making an issue out of the contract.
Evans said that he met Staley in 1992 when he was working at the University of South Florida and she was the university liaison with the Tampa, Fla., school district.
After he became assistant superintendent in Tampa in 1998, Staley became a member of his staff, working first as the charter school director and later working in special education.
At the time, Evans described Staley as a “trusted colleague and friend,” but said they were not romantically involved. He said that a romantic relationship didn’t develop until the summer, after Staley was awarded the contract. By the time that Staley was hired, Evans said that he was already in the process of getting a divorce.
Outrage that anyone might see a conflict. Not, I understand there might have been an appearance of impropriety and I will learn from that. Outrage.
Another relatively new face to the school system is Chief of Staff Eric Becoats. Becoats, who joined the schools in 2005-2006, also has somewhat of an interesting employment history. Prior to joining Guilford County Schools, Becoats worked for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS). Becoats left in a hurry from his position as associate superintendent after CMS board members accused him of abusing his privileges by using CMS telephones, computers and an employee for his personal consulting business.
On the other hand Kelvin Adams has a good reputation in New Orleans. This is the problem of deciding to change–you have to have a good idea that change is going to bring you better candidates. This is the typical applicant pool for a Superintendent search and out of the three finalists we only have one that on the surface looks as good as Bourisaw.