After reviewing the documentation that was given to Ms. Lucas, and wrecklessly developed by Fred Morton, Henrico’s superintendent, a human resources executive identified his actions as “arbitrary and capricious”. The executive went on to state that it is clear that Morton’s extremely unprofessional frustration regarding his inability to control and silence Lucas has resulted in his making extremely poor decisions that have placed the entire district at risk.
“ARBITRARY AND CAPRICIOUS” is defined as:
“Absence of a rational connection between the facts found and the choice made. Natural Resources. v. U.S., 966 F.2d 1292, 97, (9th Cir.’92). A clear error of judgment; an action not based upon considera-tion of relevant factors and so is arbitrary, capricious, an abuse of discretion or otherwise not in accordance with law or if it was taken without observance of procedure required by law. 5 USC. 706(2)(A) (1988).” *Retrieved from http://www.lectlaw.com/def/a064.htm
The executive, that spoke under the condition of anonymity due to their ties with Henrico County Public Schools central office personnel, went on to state that sources close to Morton have been extremely critical of the actions that he has taken when dealing with Lucas, a special educator and well-known child advocate. One central office staff confirmed that Morton is far beyond the point of being “obsessed” with terminating Lucas, but he has dedicated much needed manpower and monies to carry out his personal vendetta against her.
When asked if Morton was considering the impact of his actions taken against Lucas on Henrico’s students, central office sources state that Morton “could care less about those kids,” and that “his goal is to get rid of Lucas for humiliating him and not bowing down when he told her to bow down.” They went on to say that they have participated in meetings where Morton would sharply rebuke, yell, and point fingers at staff as he disrespected them professionally and personally. It is stated that if one wants to end their professional career and become black-listed, then question or challenge Morton in any way.
Another example of this that was shared involved Morton serving as an “adjunct” professor for Virginia Commonwealth University’s Instructional Administrative/Supervision Certification. Students within the Henrico cohort program, who were also educators that were seeking advancement within the district, told stories of how students were “blacklisted” from being promoted to administrative roles if they questioned, challenged, or disagreed with Morton in any way. Many that decided to stand up for what was right were forced to leave the county in order to obtain a supervisory role, while others withdrew from the cohort completely.
Our central office source stated that, in their opinion, the reason that Morton abuses his authority, does not like to be challenged, and does more to “silence” than “solve” issues that are raised by his subordinates is simple. He is an insecure leader that is obviously intimidated by those that he cannot control. The main point that they left us with was that everyone in central office and beyond is fully aware of his incompetency, but they would rather “wait” him out than “move” him out for fear that he will destroy their careers like he has done to many others. Everyone knows that he is very wrong, but we just want to keep our jobs. This is the way that many employees feel, especially the ones that are about to retire.
When asked how do the welfare of children factor into this, the response was, “that is the point, they don’t!, that is why he can take such heartless actions by removing teachers like Ms. Lucas, from children that have come to know her as the only mother-like figure in their lives. He just does not care about our children. He will use them for his own purpose, but listening to him around here, behind closed doors, you can easily determine that children are the last people on his priority list. We all just want him to finish his time and leave so that we can find a superintendent that is dedicated to children, not himself.”
Well, at least that is one thing that we both agree upon, we need a new superintendent!
KEEP UP THE NERVE, GET ON THEIR NERVES!
