Threats to McGinley's job allegedRavenel denies cursing, harassing superintendent; board members split on story By Diette Courrégé (Contact)
The Post and Courier
Friday, May 23, 2008
Five Charleston County School Board members say they were told that fellow board member Arthur Ravenel Jr. recently threatened the job of the superintendent at the district office. Ravenel and two other board members present during the alleged incident say nothing like that happened. However, a majority of the board confirmed for The Post and Courier that Schools Superintendent Nancy McGinley told them that Ravenel was in the district office when he told a district employee that he had gotten rid of one "bitch" and would get rid of another, referring to former schools Superintendent Maria Goodloe-Johnson and McGinley. Board Chairman Hillery Douglas and board members Toya Green, Ruth Jordan, Gregg Meyers and Brian Moody said at least one other employee overheard the remark and that Ravenel later threatened the superintendent's job in a face-to-face confrontation with her. "As a female, I was offended and appalled," Jordan said. "It's very unfortunate," Meyers said. "It should never happen, regardless of anyone's disagreements." "As a board we should be operating in a professional manner, and this was a complete deviation from that," Green said. As a result of the incident, board members say they instructed the policy committee to make changes to the board's code of conduct to make such behavior a breach of rules. A board member who violates the code could face public discipline. Ravenel said he went to the district office with board member Ray Toler to check on whether the agreement for the Charleston Charter School for Math & Science to use the former Rivers Middle School building was on the board's meeting agenda. Board Vice Chairwoman Nancy Cook arrived at the office after Ravenel and Toler. The issue had been pulled from previous board agendas, and when Ravenel saw that it hadn't been placed on the upcoming agenda, he said he got frustrated and "had a lot to say about it." He thought officials were trying to harm the school by delaying approval of the agreement, he said, but he denied using profanity to refer to McGinley or to threaten her job. Ravenel said it's hearsay for others to comment on the situation if they weren't in the office. "I have no problem with (McGinley), and she has no problem with me," he said. "We've moved forward." Toler and Cook confirmed Ravenel's account of the situation. Both said they hadn't heard Ravenel use foul language or threaten the superintendent's job. Cook and Toler frequently vote with Ravenel on controversial issues. "I don't believe he'd say that," Cook said. "It's not professional. He's a professional. He's about doing what's right for kids." Some board members confirmed that Ravenel's comments were discussed during executive session at their next meeting. The closed-door session ran so long that the regular meeting started an hour late. Board member David Engelman said he didn't want to comment on the incident because he wasn't present, and he would not discuss what happened in executive session. Ravenel, Toler and Cook also wouldn't comment on what was discussed in executive session. McGinley said anything that needed to be resolved has been resolved in-house, and she wouldn't talk about the allegations. "This to me is not anything that I care to comment on publicly," she said. The employee Ravenel initially confronted about the superintendent did not want to comment. Reach Diette Courrégé at dcourrege@postandcourier.com or 937-5546. |
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Comments
This article has 52 comment(s)
Posted by Thomas1776 on May 23, 2008 at 1:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The truth always has away of coming out. Ravenel has reportedly always been a big head. John Graham Altman is the same exact way. Voting Altman back to the school board would be the absolute worst thing to do. He's a failure. He failed in the House of Representatives. He rubs everybody the wrong way with his abrasive style.
In any event, these Ravenels are snobs and look down their noses at everybody. They are just an act. Remember how Senator Scott acted when he was arrested for DUI? Ravenel is the same exact way behind the scenes. There is no doubt in my mind he said was these people said he said.
Seems we have a lot of unfolding truths coming out about our elected politicians, etc. And it's about time!
Posted by Thomas1776 on May 23, 2008 at 1:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Nancy Cook will likely be exposed next.
Posted by carolinadude on May 23, 2008 at 4:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree Thomas:
"sunshine is the best disinfectant"
Posted by AMAZING on May 23, 2008 at 5:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)
THOMAS RAVENEL SAID ON SLED TRANSCRIPT:
"You know,I,I swear to God I don't have any problems"
http://media.thestate.com/smedia/2008/05...
http://media.thestate.com/smedia/2008/05...
Posted by AMAZING on May 23, 2008 at 5:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)
RAVENEL SAID ON SLED TRANSCRIPT:
"You know,I,I swear to God I don't have any problems"
http://media.thestate.com/smedia/2008/05...
http://media.thestate.com/smedia/2008/05...
Posted by moonpie on May 23, 2008 at 6:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Yeah if its true his old ass should step down.
Posted by karmann on May 23, 2008 at 6:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)
As usual, politics rule over the education of students.
Posted by amberjack2362 on May 23, 2008 at 6:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Him & Riley cant see or hear anymore like some old dog and need put to sleep.
Posted by Neponset on May 23, 2008 at 7:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)
With the problems in the Ravenel family, one would think Cousin Arthur would be more careful.
Posted by SCgal on May 23, 2008 at 7:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"It's very unfortunate," Meyers said. "It should never happen, regardless of anyone's disagreements."
This is too comical~ memories, e-mails, dirty laundry in the media ---> Englemann and Meyers
Posted by SCgal on May 23, 2008 at 7:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The employee Ravenel initially confronted about the superintendent did not want to comment.
History repeating itself for the CCSD and it's dirty laundry?
Posted by BillytheKid on May 23, 2008 at 7:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)
It is time to get Ravenel off the board. And adding Altman would be a large step backward! But this is South Carolina, we have our last place in almost everything to maintain.
Posted by watchdog on May 23, 2008 at 7:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree with Thomas 1776, lets get the
Raid out and kill these cockroaches. The Ravenel's and the rest of his good ole boys are holding this state from progressing. We need too vote these guy out of office, and take control of our future in this state.
Posted by tellthetruth on May 23, 2008 at 7:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)
If Nasty Cook agrees with you Arthur then you better watch out. She might have you and your family living in her homeless vet shelter in N. Charleston, sucking you dry of all your money and cashing in on the federal goverment all at the same time. I would like to know how much she is paid to house each of these vets in this rathole. She is the poster child for how to fleece the goverment and get paid to do so. Just my opinion.
Posted by skip7878 on May 23, 2008 at 7:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)
How can we get that bridge renamed?
Posted by SCgal on May 23, 2008 at 7:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Is it that McGinley is not doing the job, meeting the expectations needed for CCSD, and so this is the beginning of the end, only CCSD style?
Posted by Early on May 23, 2008 at 8:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Guess we know now who the other Ravenel supplied cocaine to.
Posted by Early on May 23, 2008 at 8:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)
At least he didn't call her a straight haired hoe, he would have lost his job!
Posted by skyguy51 on May 23, 2008 at 8:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Sure am glad the founding fathers put that prohibition about granting titles of nobility in the Constitution. Cause we sure got a lot of politicians in this state who act like they are royalty and South Carolina is their private little fiefdom.
Posted by Tammie on May 23, 2008 at 8:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Wow Arthur, say it aint so!
Posted by jeg111 on May 23, 2008 at 8:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Dr. McGinley is working hard to turn the school system into something positive. I would never vote for ANYONE named Ravenel again. They have certainly shown their true colors in recent years. The new South of Broad white trash!!
Posted by wpc3iop on May 23, 2008 at 8:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Go get 'em Cousin Arthur...tell it like it is!
Posted by Thomas1776 on May 23, 2008 at 8:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Remember ... Daddy tipped his son off that "SLED is following you ... .. ."
Posted by crankyyankee on May 23, 2008 at 9:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I tend to agree with Arthur if Goodlowe wasn't a female dog I don't know who is!
Posted by DCartisan on May 23, 2008 at 9:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)
These are the finest people the South has to offer. Heck, we even name our greatest. most expensive bridges after them. Just waiting for the 15 years to pass and Thomas runs for Governor, wins & renames I-26 after himself. Guess we'll continue to do things bass ackwards in good ole' South Carolina...
Posted by CHRISJIII on May 23, 2008 at 9:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I doubt if anyone out there does not believe that this actually happened. It's time to get old jacksasses like Ravenel out of positions of authority and relegate them to the past as the rest of us move on. Rename the bridge after the river it crosses instead of some divisive relic of a bygone era.
Posted by nutz4seabrook on May 23, 2008 at 10:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)
He is an old fool. The School District needs strong and consistent administrative leadership that is allowed to move the schools forward. Firing and hiring superintendents does nothing except demoralize an organization and keep it from improving.
Posted by bigwhip on May 23, 2008 at 10:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)
First, Thomas1776, you must have lived a sheltered life and your feelings get hurt oh so very easily. We need JGA on this board and we'll have two people telling it like it is. Check the history, JGA was asking the hard questions for years and was losing on 8-1/7-2 votes. The 8's & 7's took this board down and the progress.....well look at the history. The CCSD is a cash cow for many.
Posted by palmettobug on May 23, 2008 at 10:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Ms. McGinley is sharpe as a tack. I have been very impressed with her expertise. Arthur on the other hand is a little nutty. (always has been)
Posted by Newt on May 23, 2008 at 10:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Bigwhip is an idiot! Everytime he posts...idiot, idiot, idiot.
Posted by JohnS on May 23, 2008 at 11:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Arthur has been known to slip up with words from time to time. In 2000 he said at a rally "The NAACP- National Assoc of Retarded people". Ravenal did say he was sorry to the mentally handicapped for putting them in the same sentence as the NAACP.
Posted by prosperous_hb on May 23, 2008 at 11:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Was cousin Arthur using drugs before he made this comment...lol
With all seriousness, how can we expect our kids to act and do better if the public officials don't act in a certain way?
Posted by ParkCircle4Ever on May 23, 2008 at 11:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)
It takes time to see progress, we can cycle through superintendents just like they do principals, or we can give someone a chance and the time necesary to turn things around... I for one, would like to see McGinley stick around and do what needs to be done. If she has to be a bitch to do it then so be it. She seems committed to sticking this thing out and that's a lot more than we can say for the last few sup's. I hope the board supports her moving forward and that the community does the same. She has a strong vision for our children and so far has not let politics get in the way of that...
Posted by jeg111 on May 23, 2008 at 12:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)
There is nothing wrong with McGinley. She is just not a Charlestonian and can't be controlled by the "Good Ole Boys". Get with the times Cousin....They should rename the bridge.
Posted by KidYendor on May 23, 2008 at 12:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Nancy should get out into the open and get on the Rocky D show to answer questions from host and callers.
Posted by suec on May 23, 2008 at 12:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)
So exactly who DID hear him say it?
Either my reading comprhension is bad or PnC reporting is clear as mud.
Someone enlighten me please.
Posted by mlittle212 on May 23, 2008 at 12:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
this is exactly why we need to stop naming roads, bridges, stadiums, road crossings, etc. after living people.
As a matter of fact, we out to stop naming stuff after people, living or dead, altogether.
Posted by Mayor on May 23, 2008 at 1:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Cousin Arthur is an idiot. I'll bet he can't pass the high school exit exam, that most pass in their junior year.
Let's set it up. Cuz against the Exit Exam. No way he passes.
He should have shut up a long time ago, he is an embarrasment to maturity and some sense of responsibility.
Arthur Ravenel Jr, Take the Exit Exam. Pass it and we might listen. Flunk it and you're gone.
Posted by GG on May 23, 2008 at 1:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)
A school board member should never act independently of the board. They do not have that kind of authority. This is one of the first tenets they are taught in their school board training sessions.
But did anyone really think that Ravenel would follow the rules?
He is a part of that Charleston elitist group who truly believe that the rules do not apply to them.
Because they have been born into a long line of Charleston elitist families like Ravenel, Riley, Stoney, etc., they think they can live above the law and look down on anyone not a so-called "blue-blood."
But I believe a change is coming! Too many people now are beginning to realize these old names don't equal good character. The Ravenels have been a large part of that awareness lately, wouldn't you say?.
Posted by winter23 on May 23, 2008 at 2:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Amen GG!!
Posted by geekguy2008 on May 23, 2008 at 2:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Nancy Cook is a little too obese to be "exposed".
I think I'll pass on that one.
Posted by Thomas1776 on May 23, 2008 at 2:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Bigwhip,
I am glad you love me. Aside from that, the history of Grahams mouth speaks for itself. In fact, his arrogant words were broadcasted all over the nation. Thus, bringing shame on SC and forcing an apology for what he said. He is clearly an attention seeker and needs a food source to supply his hunger for it. But I am sure you know all of this already.
Nevertheless, he is a "has been" who needs to focus on keeping that old house of his up. It's looks awful and is in much need of repairs and upkeep. And not keeping his home up, among many other things, is another reflection of his character and personality.
We all know who the long time regulars are on the School Board. We also know that it's business as usual with the majority being the same old same olds for the past several years. Graham can not make a difference. He needs to face the reality of that. Besides, I serious doubt he even stands much of a chance of getting elected. We are going to move forward now. Riley's conduct, The SC General Assembly, the conduct of SC State Troopers, and even a few bench warmers in the 9th Judicial Circuit have awaken the minds of voters and caused them to open their eyes. You never make the voters mad like they all have. The power of the majority is a bull to be reckoned with. And the bull has sharp horns and is agitated. The voters want change, and they are going to get it. Graham doesn't stand a chance of getting elected back with his old backwards ways and antagonistic style.
Voters are making demands and pushing forward and want change. And they are going to get it.
Posted by geekguy2008 on May 23, 2008 at 3:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)
ROFL @ early
Posted by MooMoo on May 23, 2008 at 3:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Interesting how the claims of 'he said it, he didn't say it' break down along political lines. So, if the ones claiming he called McGinley a b**ch are to be believed, then Cook, Toler, and Ravenel are all liars? Or do some have an axe to grind? I don't doubt a testy exchange took place, but I'm not convinced that there isn't some exaggeration going on.
Posted by candygirl on May 23, 2008 at 5:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Thomas1776 ***** You are so right about John Altmans house,the worst looking house on Folly Rd.,he needs to take that money he will use to campaign with and fix that rat trap.
Arthur is a old anal, who has way of showing his true self.
Posted by newbattleaxe on May 23, 2008 at 5:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Is this breaking down along political lines, or along beenya/comeya lines?
Posted by rollo on May 23, 2008 at 8:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
If you can't beat them, tell a lie about them.
Posted by carolinadude on May 23, 2008 at 8:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Good evening friends,
Cousin Arthur and I don't see "eye to eye" on everything but please go back and read his reason for being at the district on this given day. Apparently the conservatives on the board are being "stonewalled" on a very critical educational issue facing all of SC. We now have a statewide "charter school district law" on the books, and we see it as critical to moving quality education forward in SC. Yet the educrats and administrators see it as a threat to the failed status quo government school system in our state in much the same venomous manner of opposition that Governor Sanford's school choice initiatives were squelched. In this case Arthur is "standing up to this brick wall of status quo opposition" with the vigor and emotion of an 1861 South Carolina rebel. May God Bless you "Cousin Arthur" for standing upon the rock of principle in which you believe. May it ever be "principle over politics", Cousin Arthur. Help is on the way with John Graham, and we'll just follow the lead of two of the finest patriots that SC has ever known. Onward Cousin!!!
Ron Turner
Summerville, SC
Posted by RLS on May 23, 2008 at 9:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The Ravenel's, Arthur & son, embarrass all who voted for them.
I have completey lost my faith and confidence in thier ability to be in office.
Posted by CNN_10 on May 23, 2008 at 10:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)
This is why the school system is so bad because of people like Arthur Ravenel and John Graham Altman. It is time for Ravenel to step down and also have a new school board where individuals will make a difference instead of these idiots who are bring down the school board.
Posted by MooMoo on May 23, 2008 at 11:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Carolinadude - you hit the nail on the head!
Posted by counselor31 on May 24, 2008 at 6:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Dr. Maria Goodloe-Johnson and Dr. Nancy McGuinley were an excellent team together. The Charleston County School District is in much better shape than before. As with any school improvement plan, it takes 3 to five years to see change. Charleston County's school board really needs to afford Dr. McGuinley the opportunity to do her job. Dr. Goodloe-Johnson was not given that opportunity, and she left. Previous superintendents were treated in a similar manner and left. The sad thing is that the school board had to pay out their contracts. What a terrible way to waste taxpayers' money!