George Parker: Newport News school board votes to dismiss superintendent over Abigail Zwerner shooting
NEWPORT NEWS, VIRGINIA: The superintendent of the Virginia school district where a 6-year-old boy allegedly shot an elementary school teacher earlier this month, was dismissed Wednesday, January 25, by the Newport News School Board. George Parker III, who had been the district's superintendent since 2018, had been dismissed by a 5-1 vote. His last working day is February 1.
“Effective Feb. 1, Dr Parker will be relieved of his duties as superintendent of Newport News Public Schools,” Lisa Surles-Law, the school board’s chairman, said during the meeting. “It is important that we state that this decision was made without cause, cause being defined in his previous contract, as Dr. Parker is a capable division leader who served Newport News for nearly five years through some extremely challenging circumstances,” as reported by WAVY.
READ MORE
Virginia boy, 6, who shot Abigail Zwerner told another educator about his desire to set her on fire
After Richneck Elementary first-grade teacher Abigail Zwerner was shot on January 6, Parker came under heavy fire. Parker, who presently earns $251,057.57 per year, is set to receive a severance payment of $502,115.14 over the next year. Following the shootings in 2021 at Heritage and Menchville high schools, this shooting marks the third on school property in 18 months.
Following the board's decision, Newport News Mayor Phillip Jones issued the following statement on Wednesday, January 25, night: "Over the last four years, Dr. George Parker led Newport News Public Schools with a dedication to educating our children, and we thank him for his service to this community. My colleagues on City Council and I support the Newport News School Board as they seek to hire a dynamic, new leader for our public school system - one that will help us heal and move forward with the necessary changes to make our schools safer for everyone. I have faith that the School Board will find the right person to take Newport News Public Schools to the next level. While the last few weeks have been extremely difficult, Newport News schools and this community remain strong," according to reports from WTKR.
The vote came after several closed-door board meetings that took place over the previous two weeks. "Out of tragedy comes opportunity for growth, change, and miraculous things to happen," stated Board Vice Chairperson Dr Terri Best. Michele Mitchell, the executive director of student advancement, will take over as interim superintendent. Rebecca Aman was the sole board member to vote against Mitchell. "Although an external interim would've been my preference, I will support Michele Mitchell and want her and the division to succeed," Aman said. The board of directors has 180 days to fill the position, as per reports from Daily Press.
Richneck Elementary's principal is still in charge of the school. Richneck parent David Wilson said, "I feel like confidence can be regained within the Newport News School Board if they start protecting the parents and speaking up for the parents and not just the buddy system that currently exists."