Two members of a school board in the Upstate resigned earlier this week. Both Neal Patterson and Todd Varner turned in resignation letters to the Laurens County District 55 board, Monday.
Patterson resigned due to moving out of the district. However, Varner's resignation letter cited an ongoing power struggle between Board Chair Cathy Little and District Superintendent Dr. Ameca Thomas. Varner's letter shined light on the rift between Little and Thomas that has been ongoing.
Varner said in the letter " This rift and unwillingness to see the other perspective leaves little to no hope for any forward progress in the near future. The vitriolic behavior of Dr. Thomas’ supporters in recent meetings has degraded what should and could be a constructive and positive collaboration into chaos and disorder."
The resignations came off after a board meeting Monday ended when none of the trustees would motion to approve the meeting agenda. The board had planned to discuss the contract of Dr. Thomas.
Back in February, some community members became outraged when the Superintendent's contract was reviewed, even though it doesn't expire until 2026. A Special election to fill the vacant seats on the board is set to be held August 1st.
