Head Start chief to vacate postProgram's overseeing board accepts resignation hours after Gardner denied stepping down By Andy Paras (Contact)
The Post and Courier
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Patsy Gardner Previous storiesDeadline looms for Head Start; published 01/13/08 Agreement could be near on Head Start funds; Partners to meet Wednesday to hammer out budget details; published 01/22/08 Head Start chief going?; published 07/29/08 MONCKS CORNER — The board that oversees the federally funded local Head Start program confirmed Tuesday that it accepted the resignation of its executive director, but officials refused to explain why. Levy Berry, chairman of the Board of Directors for the Berkeley-Dorchester Counties Economic Development Corp., released a brief statement Tuesday saying that the board accepted Patsy Gardner's resignation at a meeting Monday night, hours after Gardner denied resigning. Gardner did not return phone calls Tuesday. Her resignation comes as state and federal officials are examining the state-regulated organization's funding after an audit raised questions about the possible misuse of funds. Karen Alexander, human resources director for the EDC, declined a Post and Courier request to see Gardner's resignation letter. Alexander wrote in an e-mail that the letter is an "internal personnel issue" and not appropriate for public release. Berry said late Tuesday that EDC would not release the letter "on advice of counsel." The newspaper has filed a request for the document under the Freedom of Information Act. The EDC has 15 business days to respond. Berry wrote in the statement that the board appointed Betty B. Harrison as interim director. Harrison told the newspaper she does not have the authority to speak to reporters about her appointment or her background. Head Start's Alabama-based attorney declined to return phone calls Monday and Tuesday. The board's silence on the issue continues a climate of non-communication with the public that in the past has angered its own Policy Council, which is made up of parents and community members. The rift nearly cost the agency its federal Head Start funding for this year. The council complained that it was being kept out of the loop on spending matters, and its members refused to sign off on the budget until just before the Jan. 31 deadline imposed by the Health and Human Services Department, which runs the program on the federal level. The EDC runs the $12 million Head Start program locally. It provides education, health, nutrition and parent involvement services for about 1,700 low-income children in the tri-county area. Johnethel Brown, who said she has been with the program for 42 years, said Monday that the staff and parents have been excellent, but the program has been hampered by poor management and poor spending. Brown said Gardner and the executive staff have spent too much money attending training seminars with their families in places such as Myrtle Beach and Pawleys Island while teachers have not received a cost-of-living increase. Reach Andy Paras at 745-5891 or aparas@post andcourier.com. |
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Comments
This article has 9 comment(s)
Posted by Jrickie4u on July 30, 2008 at 7:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)
One resaon is that the NAACP is allowing the officials to handle the problem and get to the bottom of it. When it comes a time for the NAACP or DOT to step in and get answers they will. Until them set back and keep your mouth shut.
Posted by reallysad on July 30, 2008 at 8:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Come on you guys this is not an issue about race, this is about mismanagement of government funding. Why can't we imagine she is purple and look at what has happened to the kids of the program and employees who are under paid while others in leadership are enjoying the life at the BEACH.....
Posted by gamecockwoman on July 30, 2008 at 8:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)
when is our government going to realize this outdated and useless programm is only a vehicle for fraud, waste and abuse? Since back in the day of Victoria DeLee, these programs have only profited the administrators. The only
head start" children need are caring, decent families - when the community can stop encouraging teen mothers without fathers and role model two-parent, dedicated families,will children get the head start they need. After participation in this program, these children are no better off. The administrators like this wench are, though!What a waste of tax dollars. Send her to jail if she stole and close this program.
Posted by Chief_SittingBull on July 30, 2008 at 8:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Gotta love the FOIA...nothing is "secret."
Posted by 725gully on July 30, 2008 at 9:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Not another race issue today. Right is right and wrong is wrong - no matter who you are. The truth will be revealed.
Posted by BigSargeofSC on July 30, 2008 at 9:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The National Association for the Aggravation of Caucasian People hasn't the time to worry about such matters. There are still Confederate flags to worry about first. Besides, why would Dot want to help send a fellow sista to prison for misuse of funds?
Posted by STREETLAW on July 30, 2008 at 10:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Government of the few, by the few, and for the few. Totalitarianism personified.
Forget reparation Obama, its already here.
And if he does get elected it will be like carpet bagging on steroids.
Posted by Siri on July 30, 2008 at 10:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)
My youngest child scored low in placement test and attended Head Start. She was on track in the 1st grade so I'm thankful this program was available for my family.
For the record we were neither poor or a minority. We also were married 13 months before we had our 1st child and my husband was active duty Navy at the time. I had the blessed chance to stay home with my children until the youngest was in 1st grade, so all my attention was for my family. This child just needed extra help to get started and Head Start was were she got it!
Posted by RTC on July 30, 2008 at 11 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Siri, I am truly puzzled that your child was accepted into this program. They clearly state that they are there for at risk, low income families.
Does being in the military make a difference, as I know of quite a few people who were turned down for this program, and they were not given acceptable reasons.