HARRODSBURG — The head of the local chapter of the NAACP says the group will investigate minority hiring practices in the Mercer County school district.
In a letter sent last week to Mercer County Elementary School Principal Jennifer Meadows, the school board and interim superintendent Dennis Davis, Danville-Boyle County NAACP President Norman Bartleson said parents and residents had contacted him with concerns about the lack of diversity among the district’s faculty.
The letter cites the lack of African-American representation at the elementary school in particular and refers specifically to a male African-American who had experience working in the district and came “highly recommended” but allegedly was overlooked for a position at the school. Bartleson said the complaints that prompted the letter were all brought to his attention recently.
Bartleson, a vice president with the state NAACP, said his group will investigate the district’s hiring and recruitment practices. The NAACP does not have a Mercer County chapter, and Bartleson said his branch also covers that area.
Bartleson said he has been informed that district staff have met to discuss the issue and he expressed a willingness to work with the school system.
Monday was Davis’ first day on the job as interim superintendent after being hired Thursday for the 2011-2012 school year. He confirmed today the matter is being looked into by his office but said he will not have a full response until later in the week.
In a letter sent last week to Mercer County Elementary School Principal Jennifer Meadows, the school board and interim superintendent Dennis Davis, Danville-Boyle County NAACP President Norman Bartleson said parents and residents had contacted him with concerns about the lack of diversity among the district’s faculty.
The letter cites the lack of African-American representation at the elementary school in particular and refers specifically to a male African-American who had experience working in the district and came “highly recommended” but allegedly was overlooked for a position at the school. Bartleson said the complaints that prompted the letter were all brought to his attention recently.
Bartleson, a vice president with the state NAACP, said his group will investigate the district’s hiring and recruitment practices. The NAACP does not have a Mercer County chapter, and Bartleson said his branch also covers that area.
Bartleson said he has been informed that district staff have met to discuss the issue and he expressed a willingness to work with the school system.
Monday was Davis’ first day on the job as interim superintendent after being hired Thursday for the 2011-2012 school year. He confirmed today the matter is being looked into by his office but said he will not have a full response until later in the week.
