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Canton board approves hires and leaves, denies two contract-release requests after executive session
Summary
Trustees approved multiple personnel actions including leaves, resignations, reassignments and new hires for 2026–27, and—after an executive session on personnel—voted to deny two certified employees’ requests to be released from their contracts.
At its May 12 meeting the Canton Public School District Board approved a broad slate of personnel actions and, after an executive session, denied two certified employees’ requests related to contract release and nonrenewal.
The board approved leaves of absence for multiple staff members, accepted several resignations effective in April–June 2026, and approved reassignments and recommended hires across district schools and departments (items 12.1–12.5). The list of approved hires included teachers and staff for McNeal Elementary, Reuben B. Myers CSAS, Goodloe Elementary, Canton Elementary, Porter Middle School, Canton High School and the Security and Maintenance departments. Mr. Peter Brown moved approval of items 12.1–12.5; Dr. Jacqueline Griffin seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
Later in the meeting trustees voted to enter executive session to consider personnel matters. The minutes show two specific executive-session items: 14.1 (Beverly Torrey—release from contract) and 14.2 (Stephanie Thomas—recommendation for nonrenewal). After returning to open session, Mr. Johnny Brown, chair, announced the board voted to accept Interim Superintendent Dwight J. Luckett Sr.’s recommendation and deny both employees’ requests to be released from their contracts.
During the consent agenda the minutes also record that the superintendent recused himself and left the room while the board considered items tied to Victoria Johnson’s recommendations for the Director of Public Relations position; the board then approved rescinding and re-approving Beverly Luckett for the Director of Public Relations post (items 11.1–11.2).
The minutes do not include statements from the affected employees, detailed reasons for the superintendent’s recommendations or the specific personnel files discussed in executive session. The board recorded unanimous votes on the personnel approvals and on the motions entered and exited for executive session.
