I’m a frequent critic of the Guilford County Board of Education, but give them credit for speaking out against the new ‘construction czar’ position being created for outgoing Commissioner Steve Arnold, who supposedly would keep a close eye on school construction.
Most vocal was board member Garth Hebert, whom I’ve often criticized, not because I disagree with his issues but because he doesn’t voice them effectively:
Hebert said the county would be spending money to create the position at a time when it should be making every effort to save money.
“I’m kind of curious what it’s supposed to accomplish, other than to get money to Steve Arnold,” Hebert said. “That’s kind of disgusting. I’m sorry, that’s a waste of taxpayer money. And it’s not like we can afford to throw it around.” He added, “You can call it the fair employment act for former county commissioners.”
Fellow board member Kris Cooke added the school board “is mandated by state law to oversee school construction” and “to find property and do that type of stuff.” Fair enough, but the board has botched land acquisition for new schools this year, most recently losing a “game of chicken” with the City of High Point which will result in higher land costs for the proposed $72 million airport-area high school.
