Fort Smith Public Schools announce new Zone IV board member following Richardson's exit
FORT SMITH, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — The Fort Smith Public Schools Board of Education appoints Gregory Carthon to the Zone IV seat on Feb. 24.
According to a press release, Carthon works as the Chief Civil Rights Officer for Fort Smith Transit and has lived in the city for more than 20 years.
'We are excited to welcome Mr. Carthon to the Board of Education,' said FSPS Board President Dalton Person. 'His passion for education will be a great asset as we continue to provide high-quality learning opportunities for all students.'
The previous occupant of the Zone IV seat, Talicia Richardson resigned following the board's response to the grievance process with former Northside High School football coach Felix Curry.
Curry's lawyer, Joey McCutchen, presented to the school board what he claims is a copy of the grievance that was filed, asking for an official, written response to explain the decision.
McCutchen contends that the termination of Curry was premature and claims the grievance process was not properly followed.
Richardson believes race may have played a role in Curry's reassignment. She addressed her concerns at a school board meeting on Dec. 16.
'We have never had a Black head football coach. I'm going to state the elephant that is in the room. It's called color. And I think that there comes a certain level of obligation of the individual who has that complexion to do the best they possibly can on the backs of their own community. Some people will never understand that – the toll that it takes to make sure that you are doing the best that you can for every student, every young man and woman that you touch,' Richardson said.
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