Brunswick County residents will honor recently fired Superintendent Dr. Edward Pruden during a floating reception Tuesday night.
The event is sponsored by private donations from school employees and community members, according to a release from the Brunswick County school district. It will be held from 4:30 to 7 p.m. at 101 Stone Chimney Place, 101 Stone Chimney Road SE in Supply.
Parents, students, staff and members of the community are invited to attend.
Earlier this month, a majority of the Brunswick County Board of Education voted to terminate Pruden’s existing contract effective Nov. 30, seven months ahead of his previously announced retirement. Board member Catherine Cooke made the motion, which was supported by Charlie Miller and vice chairwoman Shirley Babson. Chairman John Thompson and member Bud Thorsen cast dissenting votes.
Related story: Brunswick school board fires superintendent
In follow-up interviews, both Miller and Cooke cited a need for change in district leadership, pointing to a recent drop in test scores, among other issues, as concerns.
The sudden decision to oust Pruden drew protests last week during a curriculum committee meeting, where dozens of parents and community members, armed with signs, attempted to get answers regarding the board’s decision.
The group–consisting primarily of Brunswick County Parent Advisory Council (PAC) members–notified the school district in advance that it wished to address the board. But board members denied it, arguing that public address was reserved for regular monthly meetings only.
Related story: Amid protest, Brunswick County school board names interim superintendent
Following the curriculum committee meeting Thursday, the board voted 3-2 to name Les Tubb, former Career Technical Education (CTE) director for Brunswick County Schools, as its choice for interim superintendent until a permanent replacement for Pruden is hired next year. Thompson and Thorsen voted against Tubb.
Hilary Snow is a reporter at Port City Daily. Reach her at (910) 772-6341 or [email protected].
