Why Sheffield? John Elkington & Keith Davis

Did you ever wonder why John Elkington chose Sheffield for his Inspiration Landing project and not Muscle Shoals? At this point, Muscle Shoals is much more of a household name than Sheffield. It also offers as much or more waterfront property. The difference? Sheffield is just a tad more needy and apt to jump at the chance of such a project.

And just where does that project stand? The timeline 2.0 is for construction of the much awaited amphitheatre to begin before December 31st. Have any of our readers seen any signs of it? 

And investors? Any names announced yet? Perhaps we should all sit back and await timeline 3.0?

From Sheffield Shelly:

 

According to publicschool.com, 49% of Sheffield’s student body at the high school is made up of minorities. Yet, consider these facts:

Mary Napier-former principal of L.E. Willson Elementary-accused of mismanagement of funds and forced out, even though she was merely continuing the financial practices of her predecessors.

Ski Anderson-former principal of Sheffield Junior High School and varsity basketball coach. Retired after Lankford and the board forced him to choose between coaching and being a principal, DESPITE the fact that Anderson had resigned as basketball coach several years prior but resumed his position AFTER the board asked him to do so.
 

Dr. Eric Kirkman-former band director, high school assistant principal, and junior high principal. He was ignored for the high school principal job when Laura Kelly retired. The board gave him the junior high principal’s job but Lankford watched, scrutinized, and often reversed many of Kirkman’s decisions. 

Dr. Carlos Nelson-served as assistant principal for Sheffield High School, interim principal for L.E. Willson Elementary School, and Deputy Superintendent for the system. His tenure with Sheffield City Schools dates back to 2002.

What do all of these people have in common? They’re all African-American. They were all respected by students, employees, and the community. They have all been forced or “encouraged” to leave, or they have been passed over by the Sheffield City School Board. 

 

Polly Ruggles was correct when she said Keith Davis having communication problems were “not a deal breaker” for her. Of course not. This board has proven time and time again that keeping its teachers in the dark is of utmost importance. She went on to say that Davis has “proven himself to be a good financial leader”. 

 

That’s what it’s all about, folks. After all, former board member Steve Hargrove told a group of teachers in 2016 that they needed to “raise test scores so we can draw investors here for Inspiration Landing.” Sheffield leaders have a mental picture of the city they want, and it’s mighty pale in color.
 

Maya Angelou once said, “When people show you who they are, believe them.” The members of this school board have clearly shown us who they are. Does anyone in Sheffield care enough to respond to them?