Well the answer is 'No'. That's because it really has never been settled. Lynn Smith, BOE Chair, refuses to hear complaints. He won't even answer a question I proposed. All I wanted was an official statement on the CEAD Forum. This board and Dr. Moss are above reproach. That really sucks.
Which is why I believe the following needs to be known. The local media and other non-believers in the story have tried to discredit Brian McRae, the recipient of Dr. Moss' furor - the first time. And that's just wrong. Yes! It happened twice.
Need a reminder of the issue? Ok try these links:
WRAL 5 Reports On the Super's "Joe Biden" Moment
Let's Not Forget that Video...
About that Moss' Video...
Mr. Brian McRae has tried several times to approach the Board of Education on the "FU" incident. He spoke at a BOE meeting but was gaveled way more than necessary by the chair. He's sent emails. But still no resolution.
The following are emails Mr. McRae sent to Dr. Lynn Smith, BOE chair. Obviously, he's a concerned parent. Our educational leaders are not suppose to act this way. A simple apology probably would have ended the controversy. And when those who are expected to behave better and protect our kids, don't even bother to deal with the problem...more concerns, suspicions, and confusion occurs.You, readers, decide for yourselves after reading the emails, the posts, and the "bonus" item below. Has the Lee Co Board of Education really given the citizens a decent answer? Why do they seem to want to push this all under the carpet? How about a formal apology from the Super? I advise ..."don't hold your breathe"!
From: Brian McRae [email hidden - private citizen]
Sent: Monday, November 26, 2012 4:44 PM
To: lynnsmith@lee.k12.nc.us
Cc: jbonardi@lee.k12.nc.us; tamarabrogan@lee.k12.nc.us; cameronsharpe@lee.k12.nc.us; makinosho@lee.k12.nc.us; wendycarlyle@lee.k12.nc.us; lindasmith@lee.k12.nc.us
Subject: RE: Behavior of Jeff Moss at CEAD Forum
Sent: Monday, November 26, 2012 4:44 PM
To: lynnsmith@lee.k12.nc.us
Cc: jbonardi@lee.k12.nc.us; tamarabrogan@lee.k12.nc.us; cameronsharpe@lee.k12.nc.us; makinosho@lee.k12.nc.us; wendycarlyle@lee.k12.nc.us; lindasmith@lee.k12.nc.us
Subject: RE: Behavior of Jeff Moss at CEAD Forum
November 26, 2012
Dr. Lynn Smith
Chairman, Lee County Board of Education
During
the public comments period at the Lee County Board of Education meeting
on November 6, 2012, I was prevented from finishing my comments about
the misconduct of Superintendent Jeffrey Moss at the CEAD candidate
forum in October. My intent at the meeting was to discuss the issue
with the Board and seek support in getting the Board to review the
actions of the Superintendent. I still believe the Board needs to
review the Superintendents actions and make a public statement that they
are addressing the situation.
Superintendent
Moss is a representative of the Board of Education. When his actions
bring into doubt the credibility of the Board, then the Board must
address those actions and take corrective action. Mr. Moss’s
credibility as well as yours and the Board are at stake in this issue.
I
want to review the events that took place. On October 18, 2012, I
attended the CEAD candidate forum that was held at the old courthouse.
Individuals attending this forum were given the opportunity to ask
questions of county commissioner, state office, and judicial
candidates. At one point, one of the commissioners mentioned something
about the schools which upset Mr. Moss so badly he felt the need to
address the candidates. Even Commissioner Reives, who was Sargent at
Arms, remarked that Mr. Moss looked like he had steam coming out of his
ears as he headed toward the podium and that was BEFORE his angry
exchange with the candidates.
After
Mr. Moss finished dressing down the candidates, he started to return to
his seat, but stopped to berate Commissioner Jim Womack, who was
waiting in line to ask a question. While Mr. Moss was in Commissioner
Womack’s face, pointing his finger and speaking very harshly, I simply
said to him, “You need to sit down.” I did not get in his face. I did
not curse. I did not move toward him. I did not stand up. I was not
threatening or unprofessional in any way. In fact, I was trying to
diffuse a confrontation that HE started. Treating an elected official in
this way shows that Mr. Moss has a problem with respecting other
people.
Rather
than calm down, Mr. Moss proceeded right to me, got in my face, pointed
his finger and said “F--- YOU.” I have attached a copy of a statement
from Maj. Carlton Lyles of the Lee Co. Sheriff’s Dept., who was working
security at the forum that confirms this.
He
said that to me in the presence of several other people, including a 14
year old child and Mr. Jonathan Fallin. After Moss returned to his
seat, Mr. Fallin commented to Mr. Moss “That was Professional” (captured
on video) and to that, Moss leaned over the courtroom bench, pointed
his finger in Mr. Fallin’s face and said “So you F---ING think you know
professionally”(also captured on video). I know that the paper quoted
Mr. Moss as saying that he behaved unprofessionally and that the video
taken does not record him using profanity. According to The Sanford
Herald, he didn’t deny saying it. Mr. Moss then proceeded to sit down
beside Cameron Sharpe and said “I know you know Brian McRae, you tell
him if he wants a piece of me to meet me outside and I will kick his
ASS.”
These
are not the actions of a person that should be representing the Board
of Education. North Carolina General Statutes are clear about the
conduct of the Superintendent. His conduct violated the intent of the
Statutes and his contract with the Board of Education. I understand the
Board’s desire to handle this as a “personnel matter,” however the
Statutes allow the Board of Education to discuss personnel matters in
public when the Board deems it necessary to ensure the integrity of the
Board. Without making a public statement on the issue how can the
public be assured that the matter is being addressed. Yours and the
entire Board’s integrity is the issue, not just the privacy the
Superintendent seeks on this subject. The public deserves to know that
you and the Board of Education are handling this situation.
A
superintendent is supposed to be able to handle unruly teenagers and
upset parents without responding in kind. He has to set an EXAMPLE.
Instead, Mr. Moss acts like a tyrant and bully. If this man will behave
like this in a room full of people, what would he do to a parent,
student, or teacher behind closed doors?
If
the school board refuses to take action… then you are protecting the
Superintendent at the expense of the Board of Education’s respect in the
community. You need to send a clear message that this behavior is
unacceptable.
The
citizens, parents, and voters of Lee County deserve better. At a
minimum the Board of Education needs to make a public statement that
this type of conduct will not be tolerated and Mr. Moss needs to issue a
public apology to all that were offended by his actions. Any actions
short of this shows that you are not the man of integrity that I believe
you to be and will be a disservice to the Board you lead. I hope that
you will do the right thing and take public action that we all can be
proud of. I am willing to meet with you concerning this matter and look
forward to hearing from you. My cell number is 919-356-4337.
Brian McRae
Cc: John Bonardi
Mark Akinosho
Tamara Brogan
Wendy Carlyle
Cameron Sharpe
Linda Smith
From: Brian McRae [email hidden - private citizen]
Sent: Thursday, December 13, 2012 4:41 PM
To: lynnsmith@lee.k12.nc.us
Cc: makinosho@lee.k12.nc.us; jbonardi@lee.k12.nc.us; tamarabrogan@lee.k12.nc.us; wendycarlyle@lee.k12.nc.us; lindasmith@lee.k12.nc.us; cameronsharpe@lee.k12.nc.us
Subject: RE: Our Conversation at BOE Meeting
Sent: Thursday, December 13, 2012 4:41 PM
To: lynnsmith@lee.k12.nc.us
Cc: makinosho@lee.k12.nc.us; jbonardi@lee.k12.nc.us; tamarabrogan@lee.k12.nc.us; wendycarlyle@lee.k12.nc.us; lindasmith@lee.k12.nc.us; cameronsharpe@lee.k12.nc.us
Subject: RE: Our Conversation at BOE Meeting
December 13, 2012
Dr. Lynn Smith
Chairman, Lee County Board of Education
Thank you for your time at the Lee County Board of Education Meeting on Tuesday, December 11, 2012 . Although it was brief, nonetheless, I appreciate the opportunity to speak with you regarding my situation. I was also pleased to hear that you had written a letter to me regarding the events that took place at the CEAD forum but was a little disappointed that you had not sent that to me. Also the comment was made that this matter is done-well in my opinion it has never been handled. It has been an embarrassment not only to me but my family as well. I look forward to receiving your letter prior to the Holidays. I hope that you understand that we all have a vested interest in the education of our kids but also equally important that parents get treated fairly and are not subjected to behavior that was exemplified during this forum.
I look forward to hearing from you and hope you and your family have a Merry Christmas.
Thank you for your time at the Lee County Board of Education Meeting on Tuesday, December 11, 2012 . Although it was brief, nonetheless, I appreciate the opportunity to speak with you regarding my situation. I was also pleased to hear that you had written a letter to me regarding the events that took place at the CEAD forum but was a little disappointed that you had not sent that to me. Also the comment was made that this matter is done-well in my opinion it has never been handled. It has been an embarrassment not only to me but my family as well. I look forward to receiving your letter prior to the Holidays. I hope that you understand that we all have a vested interest in the education of our kids but also equally important that parents get treated fairly and are not subjected to behavior that was exemplified during this forum.
I look forward to hearing from you and hope you and your family have a Merry Christmas.
Brian L. McRae
Cc: John Bonardi
Mark Akinosho
Tamara Brogan
Wendy Carlyle
Cameron Sharpe
Linda Smith
Bonus! Read the statement of the officer in the courtroom - here. The release was authorized by his employer. Others in town have tried to even discount this gentleman. Just like they have this blogger ...who was sitting right behind Mr. McRae!
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