Thankfully, the search of a new Caddo school superintendent ended yesterday with the selection of Keith Burton. This process is never easy and this "name a new superintendent" chapter was more tedious and controversial than normal. It certainly was not merited.
Board member Darrin Dixon has resigned effective Sept.30 to work in Baton Rouge. Word on the street is that he is living there now.
Dixon was a "NO" vote on Burton--as if it really mattered with the overwhelming majority of the board clearly behind Burton. Dixon had nothing to gain by opposing Burton and since he is leaving the city/has ready left the city, he will not need to work with the new hire. A great "legacy" Dixon is leaving for himself here--geez!
Dr. Terrence Vinson was also a "NO" vote. He gave all the six finalist a zero (0) vote on the individual board evaluations, while other board members scored each candidate from 1-6.
After that Vinson became the lead plaintiff in the unsuccessful litigation to overturn the selection of Burton. Vinson also testified in the unsuccessful lawsuit.
And the cherry on top is the fact that Vinson no longer lives in the district he represents. His vote is thus a bad mark on both districts.
To say that Vinson has earned the black sheep award (no pun intended) for school board members is an understatement.
Vinson's effectiveness on the school board was very minimal before the selection process began and he has successfully tarnished whatever good image he may have had.
The votes of Dixon and Vinson seemingly were racially motivated and intended to pander to a small out of touch but loud group of Caddo citizens. Their primary responsibility as a board member was to promote Caddo public education. Their actions have had just the opposite result.