South Pike has once again made sweeping changes in leadership after the school board recently decided against renewing contracts for the athletic director, three of the district’s seven principals and the special education director.
Luther “Skip” McCray, the athletic director, has confirmed that his contract has not been renewed.
Minutes from the Feb. 5 meeting show that the school board renewed contracts for various administrators in executive session but not for Eva Gordon Lower Elementary Principal Bridgett Taylor, Eva Gordon Upper Elementary Principal Shakevia Barnes, South Pike Junior High Principal Jasmine Jackson, special education director Angela Jackson and McCray.
South Pike High School Principal Dr. Jeremy Peagler told the district in January that he intended to leave when his contract expires on June 30.
Superintendent Dr. Geneva Holmes declined to comment on the matter.
“I do not comment on personnel matters,” she said.
The employees were notified of the non-renewal around the middle of February.
A South Pike employee who asked not to be identified is concerned about the constant turnover at the school.
A South Pike employee who asked not to be identified is concerned about the constant turnover at the school. The employee said students and teachers need consistency, but South Pike changes its principals “every year or two.” The employee added this makes the staff feel insecure.
The changes come under the leadership of Holmes, who was hired last spring to replace Dr. Angela Lowery, whose contract was not renewed after three years.
CORRECTION: The original version of this story included Dr. Jeremy Peagler, the high school principal, on the list of people who was not offered a new contract. He is resigning to take another job. The Enterprise-Journal regrets the error.
