Cox out as head of school system
By Jason Peck
Superintendent David Cox will lead the Culpeper school system no longer.
Effective July 1, Cox officially goes on a one-year sabbatical until June 30, 2009, when he will officially resign from the position. In the meantime, he will provide “consulting and transition services” to the school board.
“I plan to use this sabbatical as a time of professional growth and look forward to continuing my commitment to public education as an advocate for maximizing potential for all children,” Cox said.
The decision will cost Culpeper, however.
Under the agreement reached on Friday, Cox would receive his $125,000 salary, along with the full benefits he received as superintendent.
Soon after the decision was made, the school board and Cox released a statement claiming that Cox had not been fired, and that both he and the school board came to the agreement.
However, they wouldn't say why Cox resigned. Or why they would pay his salary despite the resignation.
As a result, a routine Monday meeting of the school board turned to a show of support for Cox. More than 40 community members gave him a standing ovation for his service. Several wore black armbands.
The move caps a tumultuous year for the school system, which watched the school board struggle with funding issues, teacher pay and the three of its seven members being replaced in the November election.
Larry Carter, who serves as Assistant Superintendent of Administrative Services, will serve as Acting Superintendent during Cox’s sabbatical. The vote to appoint Carter was approved 5-2, with board members Liz Hutchins and Leanne Jenkins against. Jenkins said her vote resulted from financial concerns.
Finding a permanent replacement may prove more difficult. Board members on Monday night intended to formally begin the search for a Deputy Superintendent, who would assume Cox’s full responsibilities for the 2008-09 school year.
That motion died when no board member chose to discuss the matter.
“I’m certain we’ll discuss it again,” board member Bob Beard (East Fairfax District) said. “”Now’s a little early (to discuss that).”
Cox first came to Culpeper in 2001. He previously served as a school superintendent in Pulaski, and as an assistant superintendent in Dodge City, Kan.