Everett wants Jim Scales gone

Longtime school board member Everett Fairchild said he will push to remove Jim Scales as superintendent of Hamilton County schools if he is re-elected to the board this year.

"I have been disappointed in the leadership I've seen from Dr. Scales," said Mr. Fairchild, who spoke to Chattanooga Times Free Press editors Friday.

Mr. Fairchild, who has served three four-year terms on the county education board representing District 3, said he is among several board members who think Dr. Scales is too easily influenced by some central office staff who give him "bad advice."

On a few occasions, Dr. Scales has chosen to shuffle around ineffective staff who should have been forced into retirement, Mr. Fairchild said.

"There is a lot of sentiment about changing leadership," he said.

Dr. Scales, whose contract with Hamilton County expires in 2012, said he didn't want to comment about whether board members were upset with his performance leading Hamilton County schools.

"I will be doing what I think is the right thing to do as superintendent until the day I leave, whenever that is," he said.

School board members George Ricks and Linda Mosley said they didn't think there is widespread sentiment among the board that Dr. Scales should leave.

Mr. Ricks said he is happy with the work Dr. Scales has done during a time when outside pressures are increasing and budgets are tightening.

"I think Dr. Scales works very hard to do the right thing for the children," said Ms. Mosley. "It may not always be popular."

Online: Hear Everett Fairchild talk about Dr. Jim Scales' leadership. Read previous stories.

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