Reader Says Gary Dan Williams Linked to Jeff Cruse

In the interest of transparency, while we had heard only snippets about Gary Dan Williams when he moved to Waterloo School, we've been aware of Jeff Cruse and his plots against the school system for some time (much documented in the TimesDaily) and have called him out. No, we don't like the man's shady politics or what he tried to do to innocent and hard working school employees. That's 100% personal opinion...

If you don't know who Jeff Cruse of Lexington is, we'll give you a quick run down: Think failed baseball player who sought revenge at Lexington when he wasn't allowed to be de facto baseball coach. Here's a more in depth look: The Lexington Letters.

We have just received the message below. We had no plans to comment again on the Lauderdale superintendent's race before the Tuesday election, but when we were told Jeff Cruse is in the mix, we decided to let voters read it now:


Webster’s Dictionary defines a narcissistic person as an extremely self-centered individual with an exaggerated sense of self-importance : marked by or characteristic of excessive admiration of or infatuation with oneself. Lauderdale County has a candidate for superintendent that fits this definition. Dr. Williams is not the answer for Lauderdale County. Previous in this blog there has been information about his past experiences in Muscle Shoals. I would like to elaborate on those experiences. Dr. Williams was repeatedly reprimanded for not being a team player and not following the chain of command. 

At one point a Central Office administrator stated “in 30 plus years of education, I have never dealt with anyone that is more unprofessional and self-centered administrator as Dr. Williams. We were thankful Lauderdale County hired him”. There were numerous complaints and grievance filed against him during his time in MSCS. In fact there was a belief his contract would not be renewed which is why he was pursuing the Waterloo principal position. During his time at Waterloo he continued his harassment and bullying of employees and students. He repeatedly tried to discipline students based on his beliefs and views instead of the code of conduct. He often times asked students about the behavior away from school and on the weekends until he was called out by the parents and community members. 

Numerous complaints were filed by teachers about how he treated them and how he required them to do things that were questionable at best. One Central office administrator in Lauderdale County School stated “one of the worse decision we have made as a school system was to hire Dr. William in this county”. The community, faculty, staff, and students at Waterloo High School were thrilled for him to be placed at Allen Thornton Career Technical Center, however the employees at ATCTC were not. During his tenure there several employees have left for other position because of the unprofessionalism displayed by Dr. Williams. 

Additionally he had been reprimanded numerous time by the Central Office for not following the chain of command. The following are examples of Dr. Williams repeatedly disregard for the proper protocol established by the Lauderdale County Schools. 

1. Surveys sent to schools without approval.

2. Change to business programs not approved by ALSDE
3. Refusal to comply with directives in regards to campaigning during school hours and as school board employee.
4. Using his position to campaign during school hours.

If an individual won’t follow directives as an employee what can we expect when he is in charge. I would encourage you to ask the administrators in Lauderdale County their feelings about Dr. Williams. Before you vote on Tuesday please do your research to vote for the candidate that has the best interest for our schools and not for someone who is more interested in fulfilling a self promoting campaign. Beware of wolves in sheep’s clothing.

Additionally, What kind of colleague meets at a church to plot an overthrow of a principal of a school. Dr. Williams met numerous time with Bro. Jeff Cruse at Lexington Baptist church to try and plot against Mr. Willie Joiner while he was principal at Lexington High School. If you can’t trust your colleagues you will not be able to trust him as superintendent. He is only concerned about himself.