A reader poses a good question:
If the “retirement” letter Mills High Principal Michael Nellums sent me is the same one he gave the school district, he doesn’t retire until June 30.
That means, there’s ample time for Superintendent Charles Hopson to act on the findings of the investigation of the incident that prompted Nellums’ suspension — his reported conniving with School Board member Tim Clark (did you know he’s talked of carrying a spy pen that can be used to record conversations with people?) to discredit Board member Gwen Williams.
The public is owed a decision by Hopson and release of the report. Nellums shouldn’t be given a free pass. If his actions merit firing, taxpayers deserve being released from paying him his last two weeks of salary.
Right? Or maybe this was a negotiated deal. Nellums insist he long had plans to retire and it was merely a coincidence that he submitted his retirement the same day the investigation was completed.
I’ve asked the district about the timing issue.