Jennifer Gray to Leave Shoals?/Educational Anomaly?

If you haven't heard, Dr. Jennifer Gray is a finalist for the new superintendent of Madison City Schools. Gray, the erstwhile head of Lauderdale education, is currently principal at Brooks Elementary.

Gray has three rivals for the position...and baggage. We're not placing any bets on the outcome of Madison's search for a new school leader; however, if she does win the position, it will be interesting to see local reaction.

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The state of education? A local youth has scored 36 on the ACT. That's a wonderful achievement, but over the years we've known several who've done so (no, it wasn't Shoalanda). Apparently it's now so rare that those who do so get special write-ups? Or was it a slow news day? Or a case of good PR? We sincerely hope it's not because it's become an anomaly in the Shoals.

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An on the TD front, Tom Smith still can't conjugate "lie," and Russ Corey speaks of "championing on." Perhaps our local rag should think of employmenting on. 

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And now a reader named Dita has made a special request:

Jennifer Gray or Jon Hatton

Democrat Jennifer Gray is seeking a second term as superintendent of Lauderdale County Schools. Republican Jon Hatton is seeking to wrest the office from Gray. Who is better to lead Lauderdale County Schools?

We’ve seen much criticism of Gray in various areas, but have also seen a list of her successes. Hatton is something of an unknown quantity. He is currently the principal of Brooks Elementary in Killen. From all accounts the bow tie wearing educator is well liked and untouched by scandal.

One of the biggest issues seems to be Gray’s lunch money policy: No money, no lunch, and no donations taken. While we disagree with this policy, it shouldn’t be a career ending stance for Gray. Yet as a Democrat, Gray may lose simply due to straight ticket voting.

No one who blogs here has children in the Lauderdale system. We’ve attempted to delve deeper into some issues, but have not been able to ascertain some of the finer points of either candidate’s platform. Therefore, we’re not making a recommendation in this race. Do your homework and vote wisely.

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We’re often struck by comments from readers. Why do some think a person indicted for Felony murder can be given the death sentence? Along those lines, we recently saw a Lauderdale voter ask Jon Hatton if he lived in Lauderdale County.

It’s sad that the general public knows so little about our election laws. Yet these are the ones who help determine who will mold our government and our children’s future. We would suggest a short refresher course in civics for all would-be voters, but obviously the Democratic Party would shoot that idea down.

Jennifer Gray or Jerry Hill?/Clarification

Jennifer Gray and Jerry Hill are running for Lauderdale County School Superintendent on the Democratic ticket. We've previously commented on Jerry Hill:

Jerry Hill

Below is a statement from Jennifer Gray:

I have been married to Jeff Gray for 21 years. We have two children. Sydney graduated high school in 2009 and is a college senior. Connor is a high school senior. We are active members at First Baptist Church in Green Hill.

I have been an educator for 22 years spending 15 years as a classroom teacher at Cloverdale Jr. High School and Rogers High School. In 2005, I became the assistant principal at Brooks Elementary and remained there for 3 years. I am currently in my fourth year as Elementary Curriculum Director and Federal Programs Coordinator for the Lauderdale County School system. I hold a master's degree in Early Childhood Education, an EdS in Educational Administration from UNA and am on track to complete requirements for an EdD in Educational Leadership in 2012.

We're happy to endorse the more qualified candidate, Jennifer Gray. Good luck, Jennifer!

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Recently we began a poll concerning linking a blog detailing the crimes of a convicted rapist who now teaches art classes to young children. Many have construed this to be a new blog which we would pen. This particular blog has been floating around local cyberspace for some time, and a reader asked us to place a link in our sidebar. We had mixed feelings about this and initiated a poll on the matter. 

We will honor the results of the poll, whatever they may be; however, we and other Shoals bloggers have received several interesting communications about the possibility of such a link. At all times, we advise parents to know who teaches their children. Pedophiles pick up on which children have no love or attention at home; they then seek to provide the missing elements in the child's life.

If you don't take care of your children, you can't expect others to.



Shoalanda

Seeking William Joseph (Bill) Ledlow

An out of state reader is seeking his brother. William Joseph Ledlow, known as Bill, was born in a small town in northern Illinois. Bill and his brother lost their mother in the early 1980s and their father in the early 1990s. At that point, they became separated. Bill's brother believes there is a good chance that he lives in the Tuscaloosa area or perhaps as far north as Winston County. Bill would be about 51 years old, is approximately 6' 3" tall, and has/had reddish hair.

We're asking anyone who might know or have known Bill to contact us here: shoalanda.speaks@gmail.com.

We're also asking any readers in the stated area to repost this blog on Facebook or link it to whatever forums or social networking sites to which you belong. On behalf of Bill's brother, we thank you for helping to reunite these two siblings.

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Currently there are three announced candidates for Lauderdale County Superintendent of Schools. On the Democratic ticket, Jennifer Gray has joined Jerry Hill in seeking the position Dr. William Valentine is vacating. Here's a short bio from her Facebook page:

I have been married to Jeff Gray for 21 years. We have two children. Sydney graduated high school in 2009 and is a college senior. Connor is a high school senior. We are active members at First Baptist Church in Green Hill.

I have been an educator for 22 years spending 15 years as a classroom teacher at Cloverdale Jr. High School and Rogers High School. In 2005, I became the assistant principal at Brooks Elementary and remained there for 3 years. I am currently in my fourth year as Elementary Curriculum Director and Federal Programs Coordinator for the Lauderdale County School system. I hold a master's degree in Early Childhood Education, an EdS in Educational Administration from UNA and am on track to complete requirements for an EdD in Educational Leadership in 2012.

A reader asked us in the comment section whom we supported. We have not made that decision, but we thoroughly believe whoever the new superintendent may be, he or she needs experience in administration. This position should not be a learn as you go job.

We welcome announcements, bios, and mission statements from all Shoals candidates.



Shoalanda

Comments welcome. No profanity. No vulgarity. No libelous statements. Get it? Got it! Good...