School Board Chairman Herb Rowland Responds

This is chairman Rowland's response to a reader who is known to me, but has asked to remain anonymous: JayI am forwarding a copy of the email I received from from School Board Member Herbert Rowland as promised. XXXXXXX Subject: RE: CCHS Football Team & the 4th of July ParadeDate: Sun, 29 Jun 2008 17:30:31 -0400 From: "Herbert Rowland" <hrowland@camden.k12.ga.us> To: XXXXXXXXXXXXX. Thank you for bringing this to my attention. Both Dr. Hardin and I were on vacation last week, so this is the first either of us has heard of this situation. It is not the policy of the school system to support any candidate for political office. Individuals employed by the system may support whomever they wish, but may not use school resources in the process. These allegations are in the process of being investigated and appropriate action will be taken if warranted. Sincerely, Herbert R. Rowland, M.Ed. Chairman Camden County Board of Education 'All human beings are born with unique gifts. The healthy functioning of our community depends on its capacity to develop each gift.' Peter Senge 'The Learning School.' ________________________________ From: XXXXXXXX [mailto:XXXXXX]Sent: Thu 6/26/2008 4:42 PM To: Herbert Rowland Subject: CCHS Football Team & the 4th of July Parade June 26, 2008 To Whom It May Concern:It was brought to my attention that Coach Herron has demanded that the Camden County Wildcat varsity football team ride on a float in the St. Marys 4th of July parade in support of Sheriff Bill Smith's re-election bid. If this allegation is true, I, as a voting taxpayer in Camden County find it appalling. I do not support such actions by Coach Herron and I think we need to stop this non-sense before it gets started. We do not need our football players tarnished by being caught up in this political three ring circus. If Coach Herron wants to ride on the Sheriff's float on the 4th as an individual rather than a representative of CCHS then I have no problems with that. However, I do have a problem with him forcing his political believes onto our children. I am interested to know what your position is with regard to this matter and whether or not the board is supporting Coach Heron's position. Your response would be greatly appreciated. Respectfully, XXXXXX X. XXXXX