What you're saying about Jeff Moss

Nothing in recent history has sparked outrage in the community as our series of articles on Beaufort County School District's hiring of Superintendent Jeff Moss' wife, Darlene, and the circumstances around how it came to be and the school board's reaction to it.

Here, in one collection, is how the community responded in story comments, social media postings and other messages sent to the newspaper that were intended for public distribution, such as letters to the editor.

This file will be updated as we continue to follow the story.

Published letters to the editor:

Sept. 16

Forgetfulness stunning on nepotism change

After having read the headlines in the newspaper on Monday and Tuesday, it was gratifying to see forgetfulness has penetrated all ages and walks of life.

Our county school superintendent did not remember altering the district's rules on nepotism? In addition, he said he did not know his wife planned to apply for the opening?

What has our world come to?

Robert Luljak, Hilton Head Island

School district policy must be set by board

In my courses at the university, I learned that it was the responsibility of the board of directors, elected councils and school boards to make policy and to see it is enforced.

This has been reinforced by more than 50 years in business, and many years of experience on boards.

With this in mind, I was shocked at what is happening in the Beaufort County School District.

It is the duty of the chairman, administrator or superintendent to manage within these board-established policies.

The policy changed by our superintendent was a school board policy established in 2010 at the time I was a member of the board. It was shocking when I read the nepotism policy was changed by the superintendent without board approval.

It appears that the Beaufort County Board of Education may have abdicated its responsibilities and allowed the superintendent to change board policy without its approval. I disagree with the newspaper quotes from board chairman Bill Evans, the school district attorney, and the superintendent. Only the board should have approved the change.

We should remember this at the next school board election and make sure we vote for candidates who understand their responsibility. The board must set and enforce policy and leave the managing to the superintendent.

I have no opinion on the qualifications of the person hired after this policy change.

Jim Bequette

St. Helena Island

Moss nepotism must be corrected

Does Beaufort County School District superintendent Jeff Moss think he is dealing with a community of citizens who follow their community leaders blindly?

Well, we are intelligent, honest people, and we certainly know when a leader has done something "sneaky" or unethical. And that is what we see in Moss' actions on the policy of nepotism for the school district.

And do we really think he had no idea his wife was applying for the position she was ultimately hired for? Come on, unless he lived on a different planet, he had to have some idea, or he did not tell the truth.

And it looks like he has most of the school board in his back pocket and do not know the policies by which they should be governed.

Hopefully, this issue will be corrected and the school board will get on with its business as it should be handled.

Hazel B. Rose

Beaufort

Nepotism has an odor of foul play

Let's see if I got this right.

School Superintendent Jeff Moss "noticed that the retiring academic improvement officer's responsibilities were covered by other positions." He asked his subordinate, chief instructional officer Dereck Rhoads, "to restructure it and lower the pay from $110,000." Rhoads created a director of innovation central office staff position at a salary of $90,000.

At the request of Rhoads, the job posting is updated/changed from requiring experience as a teacher and principal to read that the experience was preferred.

Darlene Moss, Jeff Moss' wife, then applies, becomes one of the highly ranked applicants, and is interviewed by "the team," all of whom are under the ultimate supervision of Jeff Moss, and Darlene Moss is recommended for selection.

The selection was then approved by Rhoads. Jeff Moss then says he  " ... had no part in hiring" and "I look at it that we hire individuals based on capability ... regardless of who they're related to."

Darlene Moss may be the most qualified and a perfect fit for the position, but the appearance has an odor of foul play. That's why some companies and many governmental entities at all levels have very clear anti-nepotism policies.

Based on his expressed views, I also seriously question Board of Education Chairman Bill Evans' sense of propriety concerning this hiring.

Finally, and perhaps more importantly, couldn't the $90,000 be better used to provide more in-classroom instructional personnel?

Michael F. Vezeau

Sun City Hilton Head

Sept. 18

Moss assumes wrong; board should fire him

Beaufort County schools superintendent Jeff Moss has become a statewide embarrassment.

He has brought Washington-style corruption and ethics issues right into our backyard. His actions are completely unacceptable.

He is assuming the taxpayers of this county will allow his money-grabbing/unethical ways to continue. He is assuming wrong. He must be fired immediately.

The school board should act now and fire Jeff Moss knowing the county is behind its decision. Failure to do so makes them complicit and unfit to serve. Maybe it is time for a complete overhaul?

Samuel Liberatore

Bluffton

Don't renew contract of superintendent

Please include me among the local residents crying foul over the hiring of Darlene Moss, wife of Beaufort County School District superintendent Jeff Moss.

Let's see -- a restructured central office position is created that aligns with Mrs. Moss' skill set; her husband removes the nepotism clause from the school district's ethics policy (claiming he did not know his wife was interested in the newly restructured position at the time), and now Mrs. Moss is reporting to Dereck Rhoads ... who reports to Superintendent Moss.

This issue does not pass the smell test. While the school board may not be able to undo this event, the board can ensure that our superintendent's contract will not be renewed when it comes up for review.

I think what troubles me most is that our top educator fails to recognize any impropriety of this highly questionable maneuver.

Alan Smith

Hilton Head Island

What must county's students be thinking?

If anyone believes the story that Superintendent Jeff Moss is spinning about hiring his wife, I have some great swampland in Florida I'll sell them. How gullible does he think we are?

What he did was inexcusable but, as a former member of the Beaufort County Board of Education, I am even more incensed with the current actions, or lack thereof, of most of the Board of Education. Except for two members who have spoken out against Mr. Moss' actions, the rest have totally abrogated their responsibility.

I would really like Mr. Moss and the nine members of the Board of Education who are either supporting him or saying nothing to answer one question -- "What message are you sending to all the students and teachers in Beaufort County School District about integrity, honesty and honor?"

It is a sad day for all of us!

Al Stern

Bluffton

Moss' actions do more than appear improper

Beaufort County School District superintendent Jeff Moss receives a job description on July 22 that, under current ethics rules, would make his wife an ineligible candidate. The job is posted on Aug. 1. Moss changes the rule that prohibited his wife from applying for the position, and his wife applies and is hired.

Moss states he was unaware that his wife would be an applicant for the job, although he made the rule change that would allow her to be hired. He wants us to believe that there was no connection between her application and his rule modification.His actions not only give the appearance of impropriety, they are improper.

In addition, there is the incredulous assertion that Dereck Rhoads can properly supervise Darlene Moss, despite the fact that her husband controls Rhoads' job evaluations â€" which controls pay and job status.

Finally, in a scenario all too familiar to a public weary of questionable behavior by public officials, we get an "I don't remember" and "I won't discuss (this)" statement from Mr. Moss while Mrs. Moss declines to comment.

The actions of Mr. Moss scream conflict of interest.

A central question is, "Why would a governing board exercising proper oversight allow an employee to change a rule in a manner that directly benefits that employee's family and applies only to that employee?"

Various district representatives have announced how all of this is perfectly legal. However, to quote from a popular movie, "Just because you can doesn't mean you should."

Charles Cornett

Beaufort

Board must address ethics, foresight

As a resident of District 2 with a son in Beaufort High School, I want to relay my concerns about the actions of Beaufort County School District Superintendent Jeff Moss relative to the hiring of his wife.

Whether it was technically legal and allowed or not, what I've read certainly gives the absolute impression of arrogant abuse of his position. Changing the nepotism rule and changing the position requirements immediately prior to his wife's application is certainly very suspicious, especially since she would not have been eligible without these changes.

Mr. Moss' statement that he didn't know his wife was going to apply is very, very difficult to believe. Other statements he's made reek of arrogance.

I don't think someone who cannot anticipate the negative impressions his actions may create is the best person to direct something as important as the county school system.

The Board of Education needs to take some action on this since it really is their responsibility to oversee the superintendent. Taking no action makes them complicit in the ethical issues or the lack of foresight issue.

Mrs. Moss needs to withdraw from the position, and Mr. Moss needs to convince us that he understands the mistakes he made and work to establish credibility with the taxpayers.

David Striebinger

St. Helena Island

Sept. 19

Nepotism among other quandaries

.... (H)ow dumb was it for school Superintendent Jeff Moss to hire his wife for a $90,000 job? He said he didn't know she planned to apply when he created the job. Huh?

Even if the job isn't under his direct command, the buck stops at his desk, and it just looks and smells bad -- a major blot on the otherwise nice job he seems to be doing.

As a superintendent back in the day, I didn't even let my kids apply for a summer job in our district.

Joe Lapchick

Hilton Head Island

School board proves itself to be irrelevant

As a nonresident owner of four properties in Beaufort County and seasonal resident, I read your account of the school superintendent defending his people hiring his wife as "director of innovation" with mixed feelings.

It's interesting to see how creative some people are in feeding from the public trough, but more than $10,000 of local school funds/property taxes each year come from my pocket.

So, please publish how much total expenditures go with this position (salary, benefits, car, travel, seminars and junkets, etc.).

And publish the job description. In 25 years as human resources director for two major corporations, and doctorate work on business and organizational development, I've never heard of a "director of innovation."

This position is unique, but the position that taxpayers are asked to assume in Beaufort County is too familiar.

From your coverage of the issue of hiring his wife, the attitude of the school superintendent is "take it or leave it, taxpayers."

If this debacle goes uncorrected, then I suggest the school board is irrelevant and unnecessary, should be disbanded, and their salaries and expenses go to paying for the position of "director of innovation."

You also have to hand it to the guy who hired the superintendent's wife.

He is innovation personified.

Jerry Floyd

Fripp Island

Moss must resign to restore public trust

Beaufort County School District superintendent Jeff Moss would have the public believe that his revision of the district's anti-nepotism rule immediately prior to his wife's hiring as a senior administrator was merely coincidental because he was unaware of his wife's intention to apply for the position when he changed it. Really?

When asked to explain his action, Moss responded, "There's nothing I did that was dishonest or dishonorable." Maybe.

But why can't he recall when he eliminated the old language or when he informed the board that his wife had applied for the new job? According to district staff, both the job posting and the ethics rule change occurred on or after Aug. 1. Too long ago to remember?

Even more disturbing is the reaction of school board Chairman Bill Evans and other board members who apparently see no problem with Moss directly supervising his wife's boss. Only board members JoAnn Orischak and Michael Rivers have expressed concern with the hiring.

In a shameless demonstration of governmental cowardice, the board declined to even address the matter at its meeting last Tuesday night in the hopes that the public will soon lose interest.

Moss may blithely dismiss objections to his wife's hiring as "Monday morning quarterbacking," but the board should not be allowed to abdicate its responsibility to preserve the public trust by avoiding actual and potential conflicts of interest and tacit favoritism by high-ranking school officials.

The first step in restoring trust is for Moss to resign.

Ted Kerrine

Bluffton

Sept. 20

Which is worse: Nepotism, ignorance?

It is just now occurring to the school board that the hiring of the superintendent's wife is completely unethical?

I'm not sure which is worse, the blatant nepotism or the ignorance of the school board. Wow.

How are our children supposed to learn about good moral behavior when their school leaders choose unethical behavior? We lead by example every day. The example learned is that the rules of hiring can be changed by our superintendent, he can create a position and then hire his own wife. And the school board he works for and has to answer to says nothing?

I am stunned.

Amy Taylor

Beaufort

Facebook commenting on published stories:

(Click or tap the embedded posts to see the comments)

School board chairman: Why I support Superintendent Moss, Sept. 19, 2015

Comments from readers on The Island Packet's Facebook post

Comments from readers on The Beaufort Gazette's Facebook post:

Comments on story:

Mike Newman · Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

No Bill, it's pretty cut and dry, he "merely" made edits to Beaufort County regulations to make it possible to give his wife a cushy job with a very nice salary. If you don't see that as a problem, then you too are a problem. All these other "great" things he has supposedly done for the school system no doubt could of been accomplished by any other qualified superintendant, you know, one without a history of nepotism in his extremely sketchy background. Bill, YOU are the problem just as much as the Moss'.

Richard Cionci

Then you need to be voted out...simple as that.

Dan Durbin · Oakland City University, Indiana State University, Evansville

"I think many who know me have faith in my honesty and willingness to address difficult or controversial subjects with transparency and integrity." Bill Evans

Rick Caporale · District 8 Representative (formerly District 1) at Beaufort County Council

Regarding the three points --- to hire the best, to pevent nepotism, to weigh Mr. Evans' personal experience against everything we know now --- only the third point would seem to have any bearing whatsoever on the issue before us. With regard to hiring the best, would that be when the BoE hired Mr. Moss or when Mr Moss allowed Mrs. Moss to be hired? As for preventing nepotism, not hardly, at least insofar as most folks are concerned. That leaves point three.

BF Reklaw · Patroits University

Typical of many on the board, support, support, until the heat gets too high and then tap dance out of it. Never take any responsibility for anything.

Mike Gleason

The mistake elected officials commonly make is that they believe they were elected to represent their own values and beliefs instead of that of the majority of their constituents. It's an easy mistake to make.

Otherwise, there would be no need for public comment sections, FOIA requirements, published meeting minutes, etc.

I'm not saying that this applies to Dr. Evans, I'm not attacking him at all. If anything, he puts a lot of time and effort into his position for very little compensation.

My representative Mary Cordray knows where I stand in these matters. I hope all voters take the time to do the same. There's a reason there is no letter "I" in the word Democracy. It only works if we all participate in it.

Dave Midkiff · Owner-operator at Self employed

Mr. Evans. I am new to the area (3 yrs). You mentioned your 40 years in education. Did you work for the BCS system or an educator before being a board member? How many years have you been a board member. Just curious where you obtained all your knowledge about public education. Thanks.

Bill Knoppel · Beaufort, South Carolina

As I recall Mr. Evans you were a big supporter of the embezzling coach from Hilton Head - your character is just as blemished as the next guy... But let's not digress from the current debacle.

Over the course of two months this summer, Superintendent Moss assisted in the restructuring that led to creation of a new position seemingly tailored to his wife's unique abilities. He then altered the nepotism rule, and had his direct inferior carry out the hiring process. Furthermore he cut the Title 1 funding to select schools (even though they still qualified for the funds) - I surmise you thought t...See More

John Mathews · Danville Community College

The very fact that there are news articles, editorial and opinion pieces, letters to the editors and your own personal defense letter regarding this issue should tell you all you need to know about how wrong the hiring of Mrs Moss is for this school system. She may well be the best candidate the world has ever seen for the position of "innovation coordinator" but not in this system which her husband runs. But, then again, maybe she knows some innovative way to restore the morale of the rank and file and the public that this incident has so damaged and dimished.

Dave Midkiff · Owner-operator at Self employed

What is the job description for the "innovative coordinator? Could this be published? When all is said and done everyone is responsible to the superintendent. He may hire and fire anyone beneath him.

Enitrat Martin

It's bad enough when workers have to deal with nepotism in private sector jobs.

But, when government workers - like teachers and other school employees - are slapped in the face with nepotism, the most elemental kind of political corruption, it devastates morale.

Mr. Evans, if you don't realize that after 40 years in education - or any kind of work - it may be time to retire.

And, would you keep an embezzler as supertintendent just because the test scores went up?

There's really not that much difference in someone writing checks to themselves and signing checks to their spouse if it's done without the approval of the bosses - the taxpayers and their representatives, the school board.

Beaufort County schools chief accused of nepotism before, Sept. 19, 2015

Comments from readers on The Island Packet's post:

Comments from readers on The Beaufort Gazette's post:

Comments on story:

Albert Russell Clay Jr · Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Comparatively speaking this is nothing compared to things he has done to children with special needs and highly controversial persons he places in high position that shouldn't be there. This is "in your face" type nepotism and obviously "capable of repition yet evading review" They both need to go. Common sense says if she's able to obtain employment elsewhere, she should. Not so unlike the position created for Micheal Obama when her husband was in the Senate, in a local hospital, and when he vacated that position her position in the Hospital ceased to exist. Come on people, be "as wise" as the North Carolinians.

Karen Reuter

Organizatioal or personal coflicts of interest are a BIG deal where I come from. He can't remember when he changed the policy? He didn't know his wife was interested in the job? No one has called him to complain? We're upset about new school district lines? And this is not the first time he's done this? Pul-leasssse! They need to go.

BF Reklaw · Patroits University

There were many warnings given to the board when the superintendent was being selected. Both local and from North Carolina. No one wanted to listen. Dare I say "hear we go again." Recall the board.

Joe Moran · Works at Iron Order Skeleton Krew

Sadly, asleep at the "wheel" AGAIN!

Sandy Guhl

Just google Jeffrey Moss North Carolina and all sorts of juicy stuff from his prior positions in that state will pop up. There's also a highly telling video of him on YouTube taken at some sort of school forum which shows some extremely objectionable behavior.

Where were all the fact-checkers on the BCSD's interview team that recommended him for the position in our county two years ago?

Brian McRae · Sanford, North Carolina

Here is a link to the video. Moss put his finger in my face and said "[Expletive] You". Another citizen told him "that was professional" and he proceeded to lean over a pew and say "So you [Expletive] think you know professional!" toward the end of the video. See for yourself.

http://youtu.be/jGVB98Z22ak

Joe Moran · Works at Iron Order Skeleton Krew

"See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil". "In the Western world the phrase is often used to refer to those who deal with impropriety by turning a blind eye". So the story goes... When I pleaded with these "board" members, on behalf of my blind special needs son, they did as the "wise" monkeys do!

Joe Moran · Works at Iron Order Skeleton Krew

Monkey See, Monkey Do! The board sit's and stay's as told! Did this guy really bring his attorney with him from NC? The "board" was on board with that action? Where does it end?

JoAnn Orischak · Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

The Island Packet, Beaufort Gazette, and Bluffton Today are not only informing taxpayers of related matters to this story . . . they are informing Board members.

Jay Doty · Foreman at Starforce Security Services INC.

Whats the graduation rate?

David R Pautler · Realtor at RE / MAX Island Real Estate

Sorry if he thinks this is just a few people upset with redisctricting sure misses the whole point

I believe he has done many things well for the district, however this is not acceptable

Joe Moran · Works at Iron Order Skeleton Krew

Like a "dog to it's vomit". This guy can't help but habitually work the system and bilk the taxpayers of whatever community he "serves". What a disgrace!

Robert Molaison · Bluffton, South Carolina

Asked Monday about residents expressing frustration about his wife's hiring, Jeff Moss said he had not received a single phone call or email in response.

Ok Dr. Moss I can probably agree with your statement. So please publish your phone number and e-mail address so I can contact you.

Sandy Guhl

843-322-2300 is the number for the district office.

jeffrey.moss@beaufort.k12.sc.us

I sent an email on Friday and got a response.

Stevie Clymer

Sinclair Lewis could not have written a better story. Elmer Gantry is probably smiling from above.

Quaymar Knakeya

It's hard to believe that the school board could be this inept or that Moss would try to distract people from his mess saying it might be related to redistricting. It's all an insult to common sense.

Joseph Dunkle For School Board

Our meeting is not a closed meeting. The public is welcome to attend.

Mike Gleason

Mr. Dunkle: Are you stating that there will be no opaque Executive Session at all? County Channel reporting the entire meeting?

Joseph Dunkle For School Board

Mike Gleason All of our meetings are open to the public. The law provides for boards to go into executive session under limited circumstances. A board must vote to go into executive session. No action can be taken in executive session, it must be done publicly and with a formal vote.

Mike Gleason

Mr. Dunkle: Knowing what you know now, will you vote to go into the opaque world of Executive Session? Does transparency matter?

Kelly Homan · Our Lady Of Mercy Academy

Joseph Dunkle For School Board Doesn't it take 2 weeks for an exective meeting to be approved? Why is this happening so fast?

Joseph Dunkle For School Board

Kelly Homan I'm not sure what you mean, could you please clairify?

Joseph Dunkle For School Board

Mike Gleason I have yet to see a board member abstain from voting on a motion to go into executive session and I do not plan on being the first. I try to be transparent as possible, SC law requires any action by a board to be done in a public meeting and via a vote. I am not sure how much more transparent I can be.

Lauderdale: Nepotism makes voiceless teachers want to scream, Sept. 19, 2015

Comments from readers on The Island Packet's post:

Comments from readers on The Beaufort Gazette's post:

Comments on story:

Alex Moody

Thanks for addressing what bothers me the most about Moss’s actions. Teachers are paying out of pocket for classroom needs, the district has one of the state’s highest turnover rates, and Moss acts like a magically created $90,000/year job for his wife is no big deal. Instead of providing any evidence justifying the job and or her/position — like explaining how a highly paid “director of innovation” can add value or bring in (or save) money or help retain teachers and staff, he acts like he had no idea how this even happened, and furthermore we all must be idiots for thinking anything at all could be improper. It’s an astounding level of arrogance and I’m glad the issue has come to light.

Joe Moran · Works at Iron Order Skeleton Krew

"Shame on the school board for just rolling over and letting this man have total control of our school system." Could not have said it better myself! Step # 1 - Fire the Moss' - Step # 1 Recall all board members!

Mike Gleason

Thank you for speaking for all of your neighbors David!

Kelly Homan · Our Lady Of Mercy Academy

Thank you, Mr. Lauderdale, for speaking on behalf of us voiceless educators who want to say what YOU are saying, but can't. Really. Thank you. Really.

Robert Anderson

Beautiful - well said and on the mark. The teachers of this district expect and demand more than what they are getting. This whole business is a travesty. Of course, as several below have noted, it is sadly nothing new. Mr. Lauderdale - keep up the pace and pressure! Our teachers and students need a champion - we certainly aren't getting it with this leadership and board.

David James Collins · Sales Agent at EXIT Hilton Head Realty

David, although I always enjoy your essays on local people and areas, this may be my favorite.Thank you for putting this in perspective so we all can see it from the eyes of those folks ( teachers) who are the backbone of our education system.

Vicki Wood · Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

I can’t seem to comment on the page where Mr. Evans made some weak arguments for keeping Moss. Go figure.

He argues that it is the school board’s responsibility to hire the best people for the job. So I guess that means he’ll be lifting the other nepotism rules in the district, such as not allowing married teachers to work in the same building. Because I’m sure there have been times that the most qualified candidate couldn’t work in a particular school simply because his or her spouse would be working there as a peer (and not even in a supervisory role).

His second argument is that nepotism isn’t an issue if there is separation in supervisory roles. See above.

His third argument is that he has his own relationship with Moss. That’s great. I don’t care if you have a relationship with the Pope; if the man lies to us and loses the public’s trust and his staff’s respect, it’s your job, Mr. Evans, to find his replacement—no matter how well he’s been performing in other areas.

If the best teacher in your district is caught lying about a DUI, she’s gone. If the best athlete on your high school football team is caught stealing, he’s gone. And if the best superintendent is caught lying, creating a bogus position he previously said was unneeded, and changing rules to benefit his family, he should be gone, too.

Heather Baker · History Teacher at Estill High School

Mr. Lauderdale, Your articles about the controversy and Mrs. Moss's new job was nothing new to me. BCSD was my former school district. Events occurred where I had to leave the place I had planned to work until I retired. These new events are not a surprise just business as usual.

Tyra Lynne Wahl · Social Media Manager at Unwind Yarn & Gifts

"The classroom is always a Petri dish, but the mad scientist is usually someone who hasn't darkened a classroom door since grad school."

Or who have never taught in a classroom at all..... that is the reality of it for some school districts across our country.

Kristina Wetzel for Mayor of The Town of Port Royal

Mr. Lauderdale - you have been on FIRE with your recent reporting on this subject. Good for you. Jeff Moss may be talented and have done some good things for BC as the school board chairman Bill Evans claims. And Darlene Moss may be extremely qualified. That said, if she's so talented, she shouldn't need her husband to find her a job...and a "made up" one at that. Thanks so much Mrs. Moss, for setting womankind back 100 years. If the Moss' have a history of "teaming up" in a school administration, they should have presented themselves as a package deal to our school board when he was first c...See More

David R Pautler · Realtor at RE / MAX Island Real Estate

David Lauderdale thanks again for speaking for those who needed someone to say something

we are lucky to have you in this area

John Mathews · Danville Community College

It is "leadership" like this that demoralizes a work force and breeds apathy and sub-par performances by staff and the rank and file. The Moss' actions, singularly and collectively, should be grounds for dismissal if for no other reason than lack of leadership and judgement.

Kelly Homan · Our Lady Of Mercy Academy

This is not about Jeff and Darlene Moss, It is about the kids, and how the people who truly care for them are being demoralized by the actions, decisions, and shady practices from above.

John Mathews · Danville Community College

Kelly Homan Agreed!

Stevie Clymer

Sinclair Lewis could not have written a better story. Elmer Gantry is probably smiling from above.

Kristy Ellis Kelnhofer · Beaufort, South Carolina

DBL - This is one of my all time favorites of your columns...you speak for so many! Thank you!

Amy Taylor · Nurse Practitioner at Lowcountry Urgent Care

Mr Lauderdale ,

Thank you so much !! My husband is a teacher here.

The frustration with Mr Moss' unethical behavior has been maddening for those teachers who can't voice their opinions . Thank you for your voice and willingness to speak up .

Beaufort County school board to review hiring practices in special executive session Monday, Sept. 18, 2015

Comments from readers on The Beaufort Gazette's post:

Comments on story:

Mike Gleason

I have no idea why this message to employees was necessary at all:

" Moss wrote. "We WILL weather this storm together."

Creating a threatening hostile work environment is a bad place to be for taxpayers and employees.

Perhaps the Board will solicit facts and opinions from employees, taxpayers, and the voters.

Meanwhile, no more threatening messages from Jeff and his yes men to employees please.

Joe Moran · Works at Iron Order Skeleton Krew

Hickory Dickery Dock, Moss Ran Out The Clock... These are some Words of Wisdom from a taxpayer "playin' Monday morning quarterback" Jeff! Get a job in a different district preferably far far away. Try not to lose your composure and cuss at the attendees of the special executive session Monday. SeeYa!'

GOP club calls on Moss to resign, Sept. 18, 2015

Comments from readers on The Beaufort Gazette's post:

Lauderdale: Mosses must go, so credibility returns, Sept. 17, 2015

Comments from readers on The Island Packet's post:

Comments from readers on The Beaufort Gazette's post:

Comments on story:

Don Freeland · Patrol Sergeant (Sargento) at CSA Sea Pines Security

Just wait till the final costs come in on the second Bluffton High School (the one the town did not want and clearly said so). It's being built in the middle of nowhere by a contractor from North Carolina .... Where Moss came from. As to the school board - that's a joke as they're in awe of the man. Can't wait to see the school halls half empty...with a budget that started at $30 million and just two short years later is approaching $80 million.

Roy Prater · Fulton High School

Instead of blaming Moss....blame the ones who put him there, but more important, blame the ones who LEAVE him there.

John Mathews · Danville Community College

Both need to be relieved of their jobs and not sent off with some ridiculous severance package. The credibility and integrity of those that approved this hiring should also be called into question and actions should be taken against them. As for Ms Moss' position, this system does not need innovation. Innovation is what has gotten us to where we are now. I don't know exactly but I expect the budget for that position is in excess of $250.000 per year. Get rid of the fluff and get back to the basics. It is truly sad that many of the kids that graduate from HS in this county can not read and understand, do basic math in their heads or construct a sentence or paragraph. The more they innovate, the worse it gets!!!

Tyra Lynne Wahl · Social Media Manager at Unwind Yarn & Gifts

Hear hear Mr. Lauderdale.... terrific article and 110% right on point.

Cynthia Bensch

When it was discovered the school Superintendent Herman Gaither never had certification to be Superintendent, someone in Columbia "created" a new special Honorary Certification. He kept his job. Didn't the school Board approve Mr. Moss policy changes? When County Council asks any questions...we're told.... it can't be discussed "its inlitigation" even when its Not!

Kristy Ellis Kelnhofer · Beaufort, South Carolina

Amen!!

Ann Kerr-Bewley · Choir Member at Providence Presbyterian Church

Good for you David for having the you know what to address this issue straight on. Talk about nerve!

Terry Colleran · Works at Auto Skills and Development Center

I am 55 years old , went to Beaufort schools and have followed the school board and superintendant hirings and firings through the years . It is just comical how much bovine scatology these people think they can serve down our throats . They hire someone who is a reject from somewhere else , dress them up in a clean suit , give them a couple hundred thousand a year of our money and then tell us we can't discuss this or that because of policy or privacy concerns when something comes up . Incredible what is going on , just incredible and then , even with all the money paid to these people little Johnny still can't read or write and our schools just suck up the money , pay all these deadbeats /educators/administrators all this money ... for what exactly . Maybe they will hire a consulting firm for 50,000.00 to come up with a palatable lie ... once again .

Joe Moran · Works at Iron Order Skeleton Krew

DITTO! Let's show the board members the door while we're at it!

Mike Newman · Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Well said David! Could't agree more.

Superintendent's wife worked nearly 6 months as district consultant, Sept. 17, 2015

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Alex Bingham

$90,000 a year for "director of innovation"? Seriously? If this person is so qualified and successful, why does she only seem to get hired in school systems run by her husband?

Most Beaufort school board members decline comment on hiring of superintendent's wife, Sept. 16, 2015

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Greg Stickel · Principal at West Muskingum Middle School

You would not like him when he is angry. I will never forget a phone call where he said you F'd up before saying hello. Asa role model and a Christian, I never use profanity. He knew that, yet chose to address me in such a manner. He is pwerful and dangerous and can build or ruin a careewith a call or two. Others at district are intelligent, they know he is wrong, but would never stand up to him. I do not blame them.

Joe Moran · Works at Iron Order Skeleton Krew

Dear Bill et al,

Jeff Moss looks angry, has he blown up / gone off on y'all yet? Do us taxpayer's a favor and "fall on the sword" gracefully! Complacency is for the weak minded and this guy should be shown the door! If you can't find your cojones in the dumpster out back then step aside already. The children and families of this community deserve to represented by a leader, not a follower! Daniel Westerbeck is right, recall ALL the board members and install individuals who can DO THE RIGHT THING! Pathetic...

Joe Moran · Works at Iron Order Skeleton Krew

Humpty Dumpty Sat On A Wall, Humpty Dumpty Had A Great Fall... BCSD board of education folk's sat on their hand's AGAIN! THEY did the same crap, when I pleaded with them in person on numerous occassions,at their public meetings to do someting / anything about the abuse & neglect of my blind, disabled son while in attendance at Riverview Charter School a couple of years back! WHAT A DISGRACE!!!

Chris Gregory

Director of innovation? What are her qulifications and what is salary?

Tyra Lynne Wahl · Social Media Manager at Unwind Yarn & Gifts

As of yet I have seen nothing in the reporting as to what her qualitifications are. But the salary she will be taking from the district is $90,000.00.

Daniel Westerbeck

Unless this Board acts to restore the nepotism policy, discharge Mrs. Moss, and sanction Supt. Moss for his actions, they should be recalled and a new Board installed to do the same. There is absolutely no excuse for declining to comment and failing to act in this situation; they are choosing to be complicit now that it has been brought to their attention.

Hiring doesn't come up at school meeting, but 2 board members, resident see issues, Sept. 15, 2015

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Superintendent changed nepotism rule: Questions arise following wife's hire for new position, Sept. 14, 2015

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This story was originally published September 29, 2015 at 1:41 PM with the headline "What you're saying about Jeff Moss."