Johnston County names new interim leader amid funding and layoff concerns
Johnston County school leaders named a new interim superintendent Monday to fill the vacancy left by interim superintendent Jim Causby.
The school system announced Monday night that Ben Williams would serve as interim superintendent through the remainder of the fiscal year, until June 30. Williams has most recently been one of three area assistant superintendents in Johnston County and has been a teacher, assistant principal and principal in the school system in his career.
Causby unexpectedly submitted his resignation Friday due to “interference” from the school board. In a statement, Causby said while he has received support from school board members, “there are roadblocks and interference by others on the board which have impeded my ability to effectively fulfill my role as superintendent.”
Brian Vetrano, the school system’s chief of Human Resources and Financial Services, served as acting superintendent through the weekend until Williams was appointed.
Williams is a native of Johnston County and graduated from North Johnston High School. Williams, a military veteran, has requested to maintain his current salary while he serves in the interim role.
“I look forward to the opportunity to help lead Johnston County Public Schools while the board conducts it search for a permanent superintendent,” Williams said in a statement. “Johnston County Public Schools is a special place for me, and I am certain that the students, staff, and communities will work together to continue our long history of excellence.”
Warning of layoffs
The change in leadership Monday came as school leaders warned that layoffs may be needed if they don’t get additional funding soon from county commissioners. Causby, who had been expected to stay through the end of June, had been working on closing an $8.8 million budget shortfall before his resignation.
In a statement Monday, school leaders say they’re drawing up a plan to try to avoid layoffs and have asked the Johnston County Board of Commissioners to provide additional supplemental funding.
“We are optimistic a resolution will be reached in the next 14 days,” according to the school board statement. “If budgetary cuts become necessary, we will first protect those in the classroom and employees who work with students on a daily basis.”
Causby’s resignation on Friday led to the school board’s finance committee holding an emergency meeting that afternoon. The committee met to develop a plan to prevent a reduction in staff, according to the release.
On Sunday, school board members met with County Manager Rick Hester and County Commissioner Jeff Carver “to discuss supplemental funding to protect classroom teachers, teaching assistants, bus drivers, cafeteria workers, and other staff essential to the day to day operations,” according to the release.
“The Board of Education is committed to providing quality education and will continue to work diligently to protect our employees,” according to the press release.
School board chairman Todd Sutton chose board member Ronald Johnson to be the board’s liaison with commissioners to get additional funding. Johnson had accused school leaders of lying to the public about the need for the money, a charge denied by Causby and other school board members.
The growing school system has more than 37,000 students. Johnston also has more than 5,000 employees, the majority of whom are classroom teachers.
At the Oct. 8 board meeting, Causby cited multiple reasons for the shortfall, including how the district was “spending more than what we’ve got” and not receiving enough money for the special-education program.
Causby was filling the role of interim superintendent to replace Ross Renfrow, who announced his retirement at the beginning of the school year.
This story was originally published January 13, 2020 at 12:17 PM.
