Sometimes a search function is useful | Eastern North Carolina Now

   Publisher's note: This post, by Bob Luebke, was originally published in the Education section of Civitas's online edition.

Jeff Moss, the controversial Superintendent of Lee County Schools is at it again.

    Earlier this month the Island Packet, a coastal newspaper covering Beaufort County, South Carolina and vicinity, reported that Moss was one of three finalists for same position with the Beaufort County School District (South Carolina). Over the weekend the paper confirmed that Dr. Moss is now one of two finalists for the position.

    In documentation the candidate submitted for his file earlier in the month, Moss said the following:

    The Governor of North Carolina has tentatively offered me the position of Education Policy Adviser, which is the equivalent of state superintendent, but he cannot match my salary.

    In the same materials, Moss lists his current salary as $212,000. When asked to confirm the offer, a spokesperson in Governor McCrory's office said the office does not comment on personnel matters. Moss has not responded to requests for clarification on the statement.

    If indeed there was an offer to accept a top education job in the Governor's office, I would guess the offer would have met more than a few objections. First, Moss is a registered Democrat. Moss has been vocal in his opposition to budget cuts and Republican budget policies. For obvious reasons the selection would not likely sit well with conservatives or many moderate Republicans. Second, the offer meant the Governor's Office didn't think much of Moss' past troubles -- and they are considerable. They include:
    •   Cursing out citizens at a public meeting.
    •   Having students write letters to state representatives opposing budget cuts.
    •  Saddling Beaufort County Schools (North Carolina), where Moss served as Superintendent from 2004 to 2009, with debt and overcapacity that have almost bankrupted the district and cost taxpayers (see articles and editorials) [FD1]
    •  Threatening a food vendor for sending a critical email.

    These are not minor issues. Fortunately, Dr. Moss won't be working in the Governor's office any time soon. However the scenario does give conservatives a lot to think about besides the high salaries of school superintendents.