Schools director says her resignation a win-win situation

Director of Schools Patricia Ragsdale has proposed a compromise to the Cumberland County Board of Education regarding her possible transfer and the appointment of an interim director of schools.

[Frank Witowski]

As a former school reporter for the Crossville Chronicle, I am saddened by the turn of events that has taken place. I watched as a few board members had it in for Dr. Ragsdale. I guess with the election she lost a few supporters and gained a few more enemies. It appears to me that soem board members came on board with the intent of moving Ragsdale out of office.
While she had some flaws, she had many strengths.
Ragsdale had the interest of the children of Cumberland County's at heart. She truely strove to make a difference. I consider her a personal friend.
I have not had the opportunity to read of her resignation yet but read the recent editorials of the Chronicle concerning issues pertaining to her.
If Ragsdale was doing such a bad job, why was there not a proper meeting with the TN School Bd of Education to put her on an improvement plan.
I do not think you will find a more dedicated director than Ragsdale but wish her well and wish the school system the best at finding a new director.
Sincerely,
Frank Witowski

[Mel]

The good ole boy system in Crossville just couldn't handle a female ruler. Period. I think Brian Houston was the main cause and he has NO business being on the school board. I feel bad for all students and teachers until he's GONE.

[Anonymous]

If either of you were from Crossville, you would see things very differently.

Ragsdale wasn't being kept down by any entity but her own ego. She conveniently placed the blame on the "good ole boy system", as you have termed it, ruling the minds of people in the County. I find it unfortunate that those outside of this debate believed such an argument.

The fact is her ideas were bad ideas. She looked to hold a tight grip on decisions, and would not flinch. Many programs within the school system suffered elimination or severely decreased funding under her leadership. Cumberland County Schools, which already had problems before her arrival, have been set back for years because of her ineptitude.

[Mel]

I am from Crossville. I was born here and have lived here most of my life. Ragsdale didn't have bad ideas. She had working ideas, but no one worth anything to work with. The good ole boy system has been established in Crossville for a very long time now. What do you know as you claim you are from Nashville? I have seen good school systems and ours will never be that since the good ole boy system continues to rule. Then you get idiots on the school board that have no clue. Not all, but some... They aren't teachers and one in particular sells real estate for a living! What does that have to do with school? For us that went to college and have an actual degree in education, understand the needs of the children. Maybe Vanwinkle can do a better job. I hope so for the children's sake.

[Laurian]

I am very interested in your conversation. I am a teacher in Hoover, AL, and our superintendant was ousted in what seem to be similar circumstances. At this evening's board meeting, Dr. Ragsdale was announced as one of the three finalists for our new leader. Like every 21st-century Westerner, I immediately Googled Dr. Ragsdale and found your posts. What can you tell me about Dr. Ragsdale?

[Frank Witowski]

I worked directly with Dr. Ragsdale for a year as a reporter for the Crossville Chronicle. While, she was not flawless, she had the students' best interest at heart and did her job to the best of her ability and was a great leader in implementating programs. Under her leadership, a new high school was built and staff were removed from a dungeon that they called the central office. She also made it a priority to see that the schools were accredited.
She was never in nuetral ground. She had strong supporters and strong opposers. When the new election came , the opposers outweighed her. I recommend her highly qualified to lead a school system to greater success.

[Frank Witowski]

I wish Dr. Ragsdale well and that she will find a school system that deserves her outstanding leadership.

[Anonymous]

Well, I think she is georgous and should get the vote...