School board to buy out remainder of Dr. Dixon’s contract for $162,500
Joy Folsom officially became Interim Cook County Superintendent of Schools on July 1, 2024. She is the first woman to serve as the top administrator for the Cook County School System. (From left) Board of Education Member Sharon Locklear, Board of Education Vice-Chairman Chad Sumner, Mrs. Folsom, Board of Education Chairman Corkey Taylor, Board Member Brenda Moore, and Board Member Jeff Taylor.
Cook County Board of Education Chairman Corkey Taylor called to order the Monday, July 8, 2024, called meeting.
Board Member Sharon Locklear gave the invocation, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Board Member Brenda Moore made a motion, seconded by Board Vice-Chairman Chad Sumner, to approve the meeting agenda. All voted in favor.
Interim Superintendent of Schools Joy Folsom then presented the following recommended personnel appointments, effective Monday, July 8:
Board of Education/Central Office Administration – Dr. Becky Ratts, Federal Programs Director – Part Time.
Cook Middle School – Johnny Beard, Assistant Principal – Part Time.
Cook High School – Paul Dobson, Athletic Director – Part Time; Chris Harris, Administrative Assistant – Part Time; Richard Herrin, CTAE Director – Part Time; Sonja Inman, Administrative Assistant – Part Time; and Leah Morris, Softball Community Coach (effective June 5, 2024, an official vote was needed).
Chad Sumner made a motion, seconded by Ms. Locklear, to approve the personnel recommendations. All voted in favor.
Board Attorney Danny Studstill noted legal requirements including the retired personnel who filled the part-time positions had to be off the job for a minimum of 30 days before being placed back in service and the positions had to be properly advertised. Those who were hired for the positions also had to submit applications and go through an interview process. It was noted that Ms. Morris will also continue to serve with the Cook County Sheriff’s Office.
Mrs. Locklear then made a motion, seconded by Ms. Moore, to go into executive session, closed to the public, to discuss litigation and personnel. All voted in favor.
Following discussion, Jeff Taylor made a motion, seconded by Ms. Moore, to return to regular open session. Unanimously approved.
Board Attorney Studstill explained that the Board had discussed the remainder of Superintendent of Schools Dr. Tim Dixon’s employment contract for 2024-2025. Upon the recommendation of outside legal counsel, attorney Beth Morris with the Parker Poe Law Firm of Atlanta, Studstill asked for a motion to pay Dr. Dixon $162,500 for the remainder of his employment contract in 2024-2025. The payment will be made upon Dr. Dixon’s execution (signing) of a mutual release agreement with Cook County Schools.
Ms. Locklear made a motion to accept the release of Dr. Dixon from the remainder of his contract as superintendent. Board Vice-Chair Sumner seconded the motion. All voted in favor.
Effective July 1, 2024, Joy Folsom, formerly Assistant Superintendent/Student Achievement Director, is serving as Interim Superintendent of Schools. Dr. Dixon has retired after serving six years as Cook Superintendent of Schools and 37 years in public schools. His retirement became effective June 30, 2024.
Some decisions that are made concerning our children are ridiculous. We will buy out a contract for $162,000.00l,0 but we stop a bus in the middle of the school term from making a block to pick up children for school. Making 5 years old child walk to the next block where no kids live and stand out in the rain and cold in order to ride the bus. I called my board member Corkey Taylor and left a message, if heard from him you all did. What a board.