JR Green declined the Jasper School Board’s offer of a job as assistant principal, so the board hired Sam Whack Jr. in a separate meeting.
Although an interim superintendent of the Jasper County School District had been appointed on August 1, the decision was changed at another called meeting four days later because the candidate he preferred declined the job offer.
The board had originally voted seven to one on August 1 to hire JR Green as interim superintendent, but another virtually convened meeting was held on August 5 where the decision was changed to hire Sam Whack Jr.
The current superintendent, Rechel Anderson, remains on paid administrative leave, but the board has not publicly disclosed reasons for the mandatory leave.
The decision to hire Whack Jr. instead of JR Green was made during the meeting called on August 5, where the agenda stated that there would be a closed session on personnel matters. There was no further description of the reason for the closed session. After returning to the open session, Board Chair Priscilla Green read a statement.
“Recently retired JR Green has declined the position of Assistant Superintendent of Jasper County Schools,” said Chairman Green. “Under current state law, JR Green would have to come out of retirement to serve as Assistant Superintendent, which he has not been willing to do.”
Chairman Green said JR Green wanted to thank the district for the trust they have placed in him and wished the district much success in the future.
Board member Joyce Gerald then made a motion to hire Sam Whack Jr. as acting superintendent, which was seconded by Priscilla Fraser. Whack was the other candidate being considered for the position.
The board voted six to two to hire Whack, with board member Tom Balliet abstaining.
“I was not involved in the interviews and have not seen a resume or any other information about the candidate,” Balliet explained his abstention.
The two votes against hiring Whack came from board members Tedd Moyd and Carolyn Bolden. Moyd gave the reason for his no vote, but Bolden had no further comment.
“As the board chair said at the last meeting, she cannot stand by and watch taxpayer money being wasted like this when we have an employee sitting at home getting paid every day,” Moyd said. “I’m voting no to save taxpayers a few dollars.”
Voting for Whack were board members Berty Riley, Daisy Mitchell, Joyce Gerald, Shalonda Toomer, Priscilla Fraser and Priscilla Green.
Whack Jr. was introduced during the meeting on August 12
A week before students returned to school, Whack Jr. was introduced to those in attendance during the school board’s regular meeting on August 12.
“First, I would like to sincerely and kindly thank you for your interest and also for your willingness to come to Jasper County under these circumstances,” said Board Chair Priscilla Green.
Whack Jr., a native of Manning, South Carolina, said at the time that he has worked in education for 27 years, most recently serving as interim human resources director for the Clarendon County School District last year.
Prior to his position in Clarendon County, Whack Jr. served in the Jasper County School District as an assistant superintendent, as well as director of human resources, academic director, and director of secondary school programs. He has also held a variety of other positions throughout his career, including teacher, principal, and transportation director.
“My priority has always been teaching and learning,” said Whack Jr. “Thank you all for the opportunity to come back. I call this my home, for the last five years this has been my home.”
Whack Jr. said that as of Aug. 12, 2,949 students were enrolled in the district and the school year begins Aug. 19.
“I am extremely excited about this opportunity and look forward to a bright future,” he said.
