A little more than a week after the controversial appointment of Dr. Ann Denlinger, superintendent of Wilson County schools, to the position of superintendent of Durham Public Schools, school administrators and parents are attempting to focus on the future of the school system rather than the racial tension that followed the school board's decision.
In a four-to-three vote that was divided along racial lines, Denlinger, who is white, narrowly edged out finalist Dr. James Williams, superintendent of schools in Dayton, Ohio, who is black.
"I am glad that a decision has been made," said Clara Ann Crutchfield, principal at Easley Elementary School. "I am just delighted that we have someone and that finally the healing process can begin in the school system."
Many administrators felt that, despite the racially divided vote, the board's decision to appoint Denlinger was based on her qualifications and not her race. They expressed confidence in Denlinger's ability to bring improvement to the school system.
"I try not to get into that racial quagmire," said Ike Thomas, principal of Northern High School, "but I really thought that all three candidates were good candidates.... I don't think that the board could have gone wrong no matter which candidate it chose."
Others urged community members to focus on the needs of the children, rather than the race issue.
"We have to get the community off of this racist mess," Crutchfield said. "It is my desire that we can stop looking at this as an issue of color and focus on doing what is needed for the children. It will take support from everyone in the school system."
But some parents with children attending Durham Public Schools remain skeptical about the school board's decision.
"I was not pleased," said Karen Paschall, whose son currently attends one of the district's middle schools. "[Williams] was much more qualified and came from a larger school system. I definitely think that the choice was racially motivated. If you look at the vote, it was split exactly down racial lines. Had she been a black male and he been a white woman, he would have gotten the job."
Paschall said, however, that she has accepted the fact that the decision has been made. "I just hope that she will do a good job," she said. "Now that she is in, I will have to wait and see. I will give her my support for now."
Some administrators felt that Denlinger's appointment would be a step toward the overall improvement of the school system.
"I think that the whole community is behind Durham Public Schools," said Todd Roberts, principal of Hillandale Elementary School. "The school system has been making a lot of progress for the last several years. I am sure that Dr. Denlinger will help in continuing that process."
Crutchfield added that the debate surrounding Denlinger's appointment would not have any effect on her relationship with the new superintendent.
"I have never had a boss that I didn't get along with," she said.
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