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GC Coach Asks for 'Legitimate' Answers

Lisa Watson McCarty
Publisher

“I did all I could do,” he [Godsey] added. “I’ve
been pretty much made a scapegoat for
whoever is pushing this issue. I don’t know
where it’s coming from. Seems like everything
I talk to someone different, it’s a different story.
All I want is answers - specific proof that
something wrong was done here.”

A couple dozen local residents wanted to continue to talk to the Scott County School Board members about the plight of former Gate City softball coach Hugh Godsey at last week’s regular monthly meeting of the board. But board members decided to enforce their standing rules of order regarding public comments.

In the absence of board chairman Virgil Sampson, a new vice chairman was selected after Beth Blair of the Fifth District stepped down from that position. Sixth District Representative David ‘Tip’ Kindle was chosen by the board to fill Blair’s position as vice chairman.

Kindle explained to the crowd attending the meeting, which was held in the auditorium at the Scott County Career and Technical Center, only one representative of Godsey’s supporters would be allowed to speak. Kindle, who presided over the meeting, said the speaker would have 5 minutes which would be timed to address the board and couldn’t direct any specific questions to Superintendent Jim Scott or any board member.

“Since your comments are all on one subject, which has been discussed before, I ask you as a group to pick one person to address the board,” he remarked. “These board members are totally at a loss by themselves. One of us cannot do anything so you decide who you want to talk.”

His announcement spurred Godsey’s brother, Ronnie Godsey, to demand that all of those present should be allowed to speak to the board.

“You, sir, are speaking to the people who elected you that put you into office,” Ronnie said. “My comment is it’s a known fact that the board of supervisors allows everyone to speak at least 10 minutes.”

Kindle said the school board had its own rules of order and took the opportunity to read the policy aloud. According to the rules of the board, a person that wants to speak to the school board needs to contact the Superintendent Scott or his designee prior to the meeting to be placed on the agenda. If a person comes to the meeting and wants to address the board during public comment period, the board chairman is in charge of conducting the meeting and has the discretion to allow persons to speak to the board.

 “You are being very unfair,” Ronnie protested. “Don’t get me wrong what you’ve said in the past has not even been close to what is right so you can understand my questioning you now.”

Kindle asked the board if they had any problem with the policy that he read and they agreed with rules as presented.

“School board, do you have any objections to the citizens of the Scott County voicing something that is very important to them? ... This is a conspiracy and I want everyone here to be a witness to what you are hearing,” Ronnie yelled to board members. “Why do you want these police officers to deal with it? They know I’m not out of order; I’m not causing you any harm. I’m just making a valid point and sir, you are becoming unreasonable.

“I want this documented that all he said he would allow the citizens of Scott County, who elected this board, was one person to speak for this group. I submit to you that is totally unfair and I submit to you that if the Lord himself were here he would see that for himself. Totally unfair!”

After Kindle attempted to guide the board into closing public comment and approve minutes from their last meeting, then Ronnie Godsey defer to his brother, Hugh, as the spokesperson for the group.

Hugh Godsey said allegations and generalities had been given to him regarding his removal as softball coach but he hadn’t received any specific reasons for his dismissal

“It’s been in the papers that I was supposedly told to do something,” Hugh Godsey said. “In our last meeting, and there was a witness there besides myself, so that can be confirmed, he indicated to me — first that ‘I should’ve known what he meant.’ My question there is, which was it? You told me to do something, or you didn’t tell me and I should’ve known what you meant to tell me. That’s pretty vague if you ask me.”

Hugh confirmed he had been notified by Gate City High School officials that he would not be coaching girls basketball next year. Superintendent Scott said a tentative list of coaches compiled by school administrators had been submitted to the school board. Final approval on coaching positions generally takes place during the June meeting. Principals and athletic directors prepare a list of prospective coaches, which are approved by the Scott County School Board.

Hugh Godsey added that he wanted to address the board one more time to discuss the situation and wanted some “legitimate” answers for the public.

“I did all I could do,” he added. “I’ve been pretty much made a scapegoat for whoever is pushing this issue. I don’t know where it’s coming from. Seems like everything I talk to someone different, it’s a different story. All I want is answers - specific proof that something wrong was done here.”

Once Hugh Godsey finished his speech, one woman in the audience suggested the each member of the board should resign.

Godsey was removed as coach of the Gate City girls softball team for insubordination on March 19 after he was issued instructions from school officials regarding a former coaching assistant. Superintendent Scott said the board’s action were not a reflection of Godsey’s character but rather the result of Godsey not following direct orders.

Godsey is receiving his 2007 softball coaching supplement and retains his teaching position in the Scott County Public School System.

Since last week’s meeting, some of Godsey’s supporters armed with signs have picketed outside the school board office on East Jackson Street in Gate City.

In other business, the board approved special education grants and new changes to the special education annual plan as presented by Brenda Robinette, Supervisor of Special Education.

David Gray, president of the Scott County Special Education Advisory Committee gave a wish list his committee suggested which included the hiring of an autism specialist and several other items.

New teachers hired at the meeting include Summer Hyder, Sarah Jennings, Andrea Jessee, Leslie Starnes and Kelly Houseright. The board accepted the resignation of Twin Springs band director James Smallwood and the retirement of Secondary Supervisor/Director of Testing Jimmy Dishner.

The Scott County School Board adjourned until its next regularly scheduled meeting set for June 5 in the school board central office. All meetings are open to the public.

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