Editor, Gazette-Journal:

Earlier this week, I witnessed a community come together to worship and share in the grief of the loss of the nine victims from Charleston, South Carolina. The message of the evening was not only love and no tolerance of hate but it was also speaking out against exclusiveness and promoting inclusiveness.

It is great to see the community to come together and promote these values. However, beyond the words, it must first be reflective in our systems. Last week, the Mathews County Public School Board announced in their meeting the hiring of a new principal for Mathews High School. My concern as a resident of Mathews County, a product of Mathews County Public Schools and a religious leader, is that not once but twice Mr. Alexis Foster was seemingly overlooked for principal position.

Mr. Alexis Foster currently serves in the position of Assistant Principal. Mr. Foster has on many occasions filled the principal’s responsibilities in the absence of the principal (Mr. Green). Mr. Foster is not only an upstanding citizen; he is also loved and respected by the students that attend Mathews High School (as witnessed by the displaying of affection during Baccalaureate and graduation). Additionally, Mr. Foster possesses the skills to lead, to supervise, to promote the educational development of the students; and to promote the professional development of the teachers and staff at Mathews High School.

 How does the school board of Mathews High School ignore the person who has continuously performed their duties and the duties of the principal above and beyond to the community through his commitment to educational excellence? When I raised this question the only response that one representative of school could give during the meeting to justify this action was that the selected person possessed a doctoral degree.  This is not a satisfactory answer because a doctorate is not a requirement for this positon and Mr. Foster has the experience and education to serve in this vacancy. Additionally, he had recommendations from the faith leaders and community at large to serve in this role.

I raise other questions to the current school board: Whom do you serve? Is your responsibility to hire qualified leaders acknowledging and recognizing those who are already doing the work, investing time, possessing an above excellent attitude and work ethic and in position? Or is your desire to hire those who represent the Mathews County’s educational leadership as being non-inclusive biased and dare I say racist and procedurally questionable?

An injustice has been done not only to Mr. Alexis Foster but also to the children of Mathews High School, the parents and the community. To the School Board of Mathews Public Schools;  a grave error and injustice has been committed. Correction/Recourse, justification, and redirection must take place. As we prayed for community inclusiveness last night, I ask now, that we move beyond the words.  There must be a Call of Action and must be heard NOW!!!! 

In Faith; In Hope; In Love,

Minister Melissa F. Mason, BS, MBA and MDiv

Associate Minister, Emmaus Baptist Church, North

Minister in Training, Antioch Baptist Church, Susan