Willow Run Board VP resigns

By Dan DuChene
Oct. 30, 2009    ·    3:24 p.m.

Harlod Wimberly, vice president for the Willow Run Board of Education, tendered his resignation from the board earlier this month.

Wimberly announced his resignation to other board members in a letter obtained by the Citizen, dated Oct. 5 and effective immediately.

In his letter, Wimberly cites an overbearing board of education and unprofessionalism in the district for his resignation.

The Willow Run Board of Education attempted to hold an emergency meeting Wednesday night, which Wimberly did not attend. Aside from a closed session, the agenda had the acceptance of a resignation and the appointment of an acting superintendent.

A second meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday at 5 p.m. The agenda, received by the Citizen in an e-mail this afternoon, lists reviewing and interviewing potential board candidates in addition to the closed session and appointment of an acting superintendent.

Board President Sheri Washington would not comment on whose resignation the board was considering at Wednesday's canceled meeting.

“Unfortunately, I cannot say that it has been a pleasure serving on this board the entire last two years,” Wimberly said. “I have watched so painfully… intimidation, bullying, backstabbing, unprofessionalism and micromanaging to the highest.”

In his letter, Wimberly said these observations were made during the beginning of this school year as well.

“I ran for office in hopes of helping students be successful on their academic pathway and to decrease the 52 percent failure and dropout rate,” Wimberly said in his letter. “I also wanted to help create positive relationships between the board, administrative staff and teachers.”

He said students’ failing at “alarming rates” in the district is the “ultimate crime,” as it makes families “forced” to make arraignments to place children in other school districts.

“I have watched administrators feel stressed due to having to fight against the very people that should be working alongside them,” Wimberly said in his letter. “Students have to be the first order of business in any district and any percentage of failure should be viewed as something that is not tolerated.”

Wimberly, a youth pastor with Christian Love Fellowship Ministries said he can do more for area students as a community leader and parent than as a board member. He said this is his plan for the future.

“My prayer is that people would lay down their personal agendas and egos for the sake of creating a district that seeks first the education of children to the highest degree,” he said in his letter.

Messages left with Wimberly Thursday and Friday were not returned immediately. Washington was contacted for her comment on the matter as well. Check back with the Citizen for any updates on this developing story.

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