Montgomery school superintendent says ‘attacks’ contributed to resignation

MONTGOMERY, Alabama (WSFA) – A written statement from the Alabama Education Association and a video statement from outgoing Montgomery Public Schools Superintendent Melvin Brown accused some members of the Board of Education of “baselessly attacking” Brown.

Following the recent resignation of Montgomery Public Schools (MPS) Superintendent Dr. Melvin J. Brown, there have been groundless attacks and harassment by certain members of the Montgomery County Board of Education, particularly Dr. Lesa Keith. During Dr. Brown's tenure as Superintendent, these falsehoods and obstructions have hindered the performance of his function – creating a difficult work environment and damaging his reputation and character. Since Dr. Brown's resignation, certain board members have gone even further in their harassment by making public comments and negative innuendos on social media, on the radio, and during board meetings that are defamatory and baseless.

The ongoing dysfunction of these board members cannot continue as MPS prepares to select its next superintendent. Dr. Brown's vision has always been to lead MPS, educators and students to success and a better future, as his track record demonstrates. He wants to ensure his transition is efficient and of good character, but cannot do so under duress.

The actions of Dr. Keith and other board members are inappropriate and offensive. They were elected to represent their district and advocate for students and teachers – not to belittle them, hinder progress, or exceed their role as board members for over 25,000 children in MPS. At no time should an official or employee be treated with hostility by the people they report to.

The AEA urges the Montgomery County School Board to consider the impact its handling of the hiring of Dr. Brown and his former staff has had on MPS and, more importantly, to consider the impact its next steps will have on MPS in the future. School Board members should be able to attract and retain candidates with the highest qualities and qualifications for the highest positions at MPS. They cannot do this if they have a reputation for slander and other unprofessional actions at the expense of MPS officials.

In the interest of the community and the children of MPS, the AEA hopes and trusts that the Board members and Dr. Keith will retract and reject all baseless attacks on Dr. Brown. Board members should also identify and review their roles and responsibilities as a school board and work together in good faith. This will help avoid further obstacles and provide better educational opportunities for MPS as they work together to select the next Superintendent.

Brown's statement confirmed that tensions with the board played a role in his decision to resign. He said, in part, “This interference caused so much emotional distress that I reached the point where I could no longer in good conscience continue to perform this role. In addition to the interference, falsehoods have been repeatedly made public during meetings and most recently on social media and on the radio about me seeking personal favors for my family.”

While Brown did not mention any board member by name, the AEA named school board member Lesa Keith as one of the culprits and called on her and the other board members to retract the alleged attacks.

Keith responded in an exclusive interview with WSFA 12 News: “I haven't said anything that I would retract that I know isn't true. And I will tell you everything I said. I have either an email or a text message to prove it.”

The Montgomery County School Board approved Brown's resignation at a meeting on September 16, and it will take effect on November 1.

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