Meet the finalists for Dist. 50 superintendent

May 17, 2006

By MEGAN VARNER
Index-Journal staff writer

After a national search that produced 25 candidates for the job, the list of finalists for the position of superintendent of Greenwood School District 50 has been narrowed to three.
On Tuesday, the finalists — each from South Carolina school districts — greeted a large group of District 50 school faculty, administration, parents and students during a reception at Lakeview Elementary School.
The candidates, Gregory Cantrell, assistant superintendent for personnel and operations with Spartanburg School District Six, Darrell Johnson, assistant superintendent for Rock Hill School District Three, and Wanda Whatley, assistant superintendent for learning services with the Berkeley County School District, said they would have the students’ best interests in mind if selected for the role.
Johnson, who said he was raised by his grandmother and took a “different path” through education and work than the other candidates, said his philosophy is a simple one: “My philosophy is to do what is best for children,” the former coach and teacher told the crowd. “When I read the mission statement about what (District 50) is all about, I was sold. I believe you can make a difference if you put your heart into it and I truly believe that you have to never give up.”
District 50 board members have interviewed candidates and narrowed the field over the past weeks, making site visits to the finalists’ districts and meeting with their colleagues and community leaders, said Dru James, District 50 chairwoman.
The final three candidates will continue their “intensive” schedule of interviews and visits to District 50 facilities today, James said, before having final interviews with board members.
At 6 p.m. Thursday, representatives from the district and community will have an opportunity to give their insight on the superintendent finalists during a special board of trustees meeting. James said no formal announcement on their decision is expected to be released this week.
“We wanted to give the community the opportunity to meet all the candidates and give us feedback from this reception,” which gave people the chance to speak one-on-one with the candidates, James said.
Emerald High School guidance counselor Rodney Robinson said it was nice to put a face with a name. “I want to get a feel of what their philosophy is about education,” Robinson said. “And there is something to be said for getting to shake hands and look someone eye-to-eye.”
Board member Frank Coyle said the board will take the community’s feedback into consideration when preparing for the final decision.
“We have done research, done interviews, gone on-site to talk with the candidates — that is a lot of indepth information that these teachers may not have,” Coyle said, “however, we are in this thing together. We will definitely put their input into consideration. We are all working toward the same goal.”
Johnson said he thinks the role of superintendent is one of support for the district’s teachers and administration, and that is a concept on which Whatley told the crowd she agreed.
“The most important factor is that teacher in the classroom,” said Whatley, whose husband attended schools in District 50. “The major role of a superintendent is to give support to those teachers in the classroom.”
Lynn Nicholson, a parent of children at Emerald High School and Springfield Elementary School, said teachers have a major role in the lives of the district’s children and she wanted to meet with the person who would be leading those teachers.
“I’ve got to know they have the best interest in mind for the children,” she said, “and that they aren’t there just to get a paycheck. They’ve got to love what they do.”
Cantrell told the crowd that he loves what he does and it has been a joy for him to serve children in his role with Spartanburg schools.
“I don’t job hop,” said Cantrell, a Lander University graduate and former student body president. “I’ve always tried to find a place where I can make a difference.”
The father of two said he has spent his career working for children, and if selected by the District 50 board, he said he will continue to pursue that course.
“I believe decisions need to be made close to the kids,” he said, adding that quality teachers and principals are keys in keeping the district strong and successful. “That way, the ship steers itself.”

Opinion

Uptown beverage ‘trial’ reasonable approach if ...

May 17, 2006

Anytime alcohol is mentioned there are sure to be disagreements. It’s not surprising, then, that a controversy began when Greenwood City Council started considering a measure that would allow restaurants on the Uptown Square to sell beer and wine, but only in a controlled, outdoor cafe setting. And hard liquor in this case is not an option ..... and should not be.
Alcohol is always an emotional issue and it showed when City Council gave first reading to the proposal. It’s understandable. South Carolinians are like all other Americans. They have strong opinions and are not reluctant to make their voices heard.

THAT’S GOOD, OF COURSE. This is an issue that demands debate, particularly on moral grounds.
Considering the strong feelings, on both sides of the matter, the question becomes how to be fair to both. From all appearances, City Council has taken a reasonable and pragmatic approach.
The wisdom of Council’s action is that it opted for a six-month trial period. That’s not all that long, but is long enough to determine if the idea is feasible. During that six months, though, it must be monitored closely, not to mention strictly policed.
Who knows, the whole experiment may be a total failure. If that happens, well and good.
ON THE OTHER HAND, IT might provide a problem-free economic boost that would not only help the Uptown area, it would benefit all taxpayers by increasing tax revenue that otherwise would have to come via some other tax.
There is, after all, an additional tax now on meals and drinks in the city. Consumers pay the sales tax and then an additional two-cents “hospitality” tax.
The measure should have another caveat, though. If, during the six-month trial, it turns out to be a problem in any way - rowdyism or anthing else - Council should retain the option of stopping it at any time and not let it run the full six months.
No argument, including this one, will go unchallenged. That’s fine. Every person has a right to oppose or support this or any other measure before elected bodies. A short trial period, then, appears to be one way to give consideration to both sides without making a permanent commitment.

Editorial expression in this feature represents our own views.
Opinions are limited to this page.

Obituaries

Sallie Bell Works Callaham

McCORMICK — Sallie Bell Works Callaham, 52, died Sunday, May 14, 2006 at Self Regional Medical Center in Greenwood.
Born in McCormick, she was a daughter of the late James Willie and Daisy Bell Tompkins Works. She was a member of Tranquil AME Church and attended Bible studies. She was a retired custodian for Polk County School Board, Florida and a homemaker.
Survivors include a sister, Gloria J. Richards of Fitzgerald, Ga.; five brothers, Joseph Wertz of Fitzgerald, Robert Lee Works and Bernard D. Works, both of Lake Wales, Fla., Ray Arthur Works of Hickory Grove and John Henry Werts of the home.
Services are 1 p.m. today at Tranquil AME Church, conducted by the Rev. Carnell Morton, pastor. Burial is in the church cemetery. The body will be placed in the church at 12.
Pallbearers are nephews and friends of the family.
Flower bearers are family members and friends.
The family is at the home, 713 Mine St., Apt. A2.
Walker Funeral Home is in charge.

Faye Crumley

HARTWELL, Ga. — Goldie Faye Peeler Crumley, 63, of 25 Pennie Lane, wife of James Douglas Crumley, died Sunday, May 14, 2006 at Hartwell Health Care.
Born in Greenwood, S.C., she was a daughter of Adell West Peeler and the late Ernest Peeler. She was the OSHA coordinator at Springs Industry and a member of Sardis Baptist Church.
Survivors include her husband of the home; her mother of Hartwell; three sons, Allen Crumley and Chris Crumley, both of Hartwell and Danny Crumley of Kennesaw; four grandchildren; two great-grandchildren.
A memorial service is 2 p.m. today at Strickland Funeral Home, conducted by the Rev. Randy Phillips.
Memorials may be made to Hart County Relay for Life, 1610 Lightwood Road, Hartwell, GA 30643.
Strickland Funeral Home, Hartwell, is in charge.
Announcement courtesy of Harley Funeral Home & Crematory, Greenwood.

Wayne Derrick

Robert Wayne Derrick, 65, of 508 W. Kirksey Drive, husband of Loyce Gortney Derrick, died Tuesday, May 16, 2006 at Self Regional Medical Center.
Born in Greenwood, he was a son of the late Ernest and Rosa Eva Corley Derrick. He retired from Mount Vernon Trucking Co. and was a Vietnam War Army veteran. He attended Providence Pentecostal Holiness Church.
Survivors include his wife of the home.
Services are 11 a.m. Thursday at Harley Funeral Home, conducted by the Revs. John Abrams and Paul Reid. Burial is in Greenwood Memorial Gardens.
Pallbearers are Sammy Hollingsworth, J.D. Butler, Derrick Fuller, Ed Pulliam, Allen Shirley, Stanley “Blue” Davenport, Glenn Wideman and Roger Goodman.
Visitation is 6-8 tonight at the funeral home.
The family is at the home.
Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 1741, Greenwood, SC 29648 or Upper Savannah Caregiver Program, PO Box 1366, Greenwood, SC 29648.
Harley Funeral Home is in charge.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.harleyfuneralhome.com

Charles W. Fleming

WARE SHOALS, S.C. — Charles W. Fleming, 92, widower of Ruby Alewine Fleming, died May 16, 2006 at Richard M. Campbell Veterans Nursing Home. He was born in Laurens County, a son of the late Charlie Townsend and Mary Lou Traynham Fleming. He was a U.S. Army veteran of WWII and was retired from Riegel Textile Corp. Mr. Fleming was a member of Calvary Baptist Church.
Survivors are: two sons, Jerry William Fleming and his wife, Bonnie of Belton and Kenny Lee Fleming and his wife Kaye of Ware Shoals, also four grandsons: Mica and Philip of Belton, and Jason and Jonathan of Ware Shoal; three great grandchildren, Heather, Hannah and Caleb; two brothers, Zollie T. Fleming of Honea Path and Rev. George A. Fleming of Virginia.
He was preceded in death by five brothers, J.J., Wister, Ray, Luther, and Zack Fleming and three sisters: Elizabeth Fleming, Cora Lou Wilson and Zelia Poole.
Funeral services will be conducted Thursday at 2 PM at Parker-White Funeral Home with Rev. Buddy Wiles officiating. Burial will follow in Greenwood Memorial Gardens.
The family is at the home of Kenny Fleming, 8 Pineview Drive, Ware Shoals, S.C. and will receive friends Wednesday, 6-8 PM at Parker-White Funeral Home.
Memorials may be made to Calvary Baptist Church, 5551 Hwy. 252, Ware Shoals, SC 29692.
PAID OBITUARY

Edward Galloway

James Edward Galloway, 77, of 204 Woodland Way, husband of Marion Moxley Galloway, died Tuesday, May 16, 2006 at Self Regional Medical Center.
Born in Langley, he was a son of the late Joseph Edward and Sarah Hamlet Galloway. He was a 1945 graduate of Levelle McCampbell High School, Graniteville, an Army veteran of the Korean War and a retired field engineer from NCR (National Cash Register Co.), Greenwood. He was a charter member of Woodfields Baptist Church and the Jack Sizemore Men’s Sunday School Class.
Survivors include his wife of the home; a daughter, Karen Galloway Matthews of Simpsonville; two sons, Dr. Jerry E. Galloway and Glenn Galloway, both of Greenwood; a sister, Evelyn G. O’Connell of Aiken; six grandchildren. Services are 3 p.m. Thursday at Blyth Funeral Home, conducted by the Revs. Woody Oliver and Wayne Wiggins. Burial is in Greenwood Memorial Gardens.
Pallbearers are Ryan Galloway, Ryan D’Alessandro, David Hord, Bill Ellenberg, Tony Bell, Sherman Calliham and Jim Baughman.
Honorary escorts are members of Jack Sizemore Men’s Sunday School Class, Self Regional Medical Center physicians and staff, along with Sam Adams, M.P. Ouzts and Pete Thornton.
Visitation is 1:30-3 Thursday at the funeral home.
The family is at the home.
Blyth Funeral Home & Cremation Services is in charge.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.blythfuneralhome.com

Katie Mae Smith

HONEA PATH — Katie Mae Pressley Smith, 74, of 3 Hawthorne St., died Tuesday, May 16, 2006 at Hospice of the Upstate. The family is at the home.
Services will be announced by Robinson-Walker Funeral Service, Ware Shoals.

Todd Styron

NINETY SIX — Jeffery Todd Styron, 37, of 209 Brickyard Road, died Monday, May 15, 2006 at Self Regional Medical Center.
Born in Greenwood, he was a son of Ted Styron and the late Sophie Ann DeVore Styron. He was a member of Lower Lake Greenwood Volunteer Fire Department and attended Ninety Six Church of God of Prophecy.
Survivors include his father of Pickens, Ga.; a stepson, Zachary Todd Styron of Ninety Six; a stepdaughter, Jessica Blackmon Styron of Ninety Six; a sister, Cynthia S. Hodges of St. Mathews; a brother, Tony R. Styron of Newberry. Services are 2 p.m. Thursday at Harley Funeral Home, conducted by the Rev. Carlisle Grimsley. Burial is in Elmwood Cemetery.
Pallbearers and honorary escorts are members of Lower Lake Greenwood Volunteer Fire Department.
Visitation is 7-9 tonight at the funeral home.
The family will be at Ninety Six Church of God of Prophecy fellowship hall 11-3 today.
Memorials may be made to Lower Lake Greenwood Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 404, Ninety Six, SC 29666.
Harley Funeral Home, Greenwood, is in charge.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.harleyfuneralhome.com

Janie F. Wardlaw

ABBEVILLE — Services for Janie F. Wardlaw, of 602 Poplar St., are 1 p.m. Thursday at St. James AME Church, conducted by the Revs. Judy Richardson, James Thompson and Brenda Lomax. Burial is in Forest Lawn Memory Garden.
The body will be placed in the church at 12.
The family is at the home.
Brown and Walker Funeral Home is in charge.