Pittman named principal of alternative school

Published 8:44 am Thursday, June 4, 2015

The Crenshaw County School Board’s appointment of Greg Pittman to principal of the district’s alternative school may have been unanimous, but it did not pass without opposition.

During a special called meeting Tuesday evening, board chairman Steve Sanders called for a show of members who were for the appointment. When he asked for all opposed, Pittman interrupted the proceedings to say he was opposed and ask to discuss it after the meeting’s regular business.

The board met with Pittman in executive session, citing “possible litigation” as the reason for the closed meeting.

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Pittman said he has not planned to sue the school board for placing him on administrative leave from his post as principal of Luverne High School last month.

“It hasn’t gotten to that point yet,” he said.

A formal grievance would first have to be filed.

After the meeting, interim superintendent Terry Holley said the board met in executive session for a personnel matter.

Holley also said Pittman did not decline the position. No action was taken after the session.

Pittman said he was more upset by the way his wife was treated by the school system than by his treatment. Daun Pittman served as a reading intervention specialist and sponsored Luverne’s dance team, which she founded.

During a meeting last month, board members voted not to renew Daun Pittman’s contract.

“I’m very upset they didn’t renew my wife’s contract,” he said. “She’s been there three years.”

Pittman said he was humbled by the community support he and his family have received since he was placed on leave. He was especially appreciative of staff and students who had looked after his daughters, who attend Luverne High School.

“I’m so pleased with the support my family has had from the community and we’ll see where this goes,” he said. “I know the Lord’s got a plan. We’ll pray about it.”

In other news, the school board unanimously voted to appoint Steve Jackson in the District 1 school board seat left vacant by Ronald Rhodes’ resignation last month. Jackson was sworn in during a ceremony at the Crenshaw County Courthouse Wednesday morning. His first meeting will be June 15.