Hampton schools to lose its leader

Sold to the highest bidder. Hampton was just a place to reestablish his credibility. He's answered the question he posed when under consideration. "Where will HCS be in 10 years?" Obviously not under his direction.

Russo is leaving, but he is no "leader". DP should edit the headline on this story.

"This is kind of sudden, and we're still digesting the news," said Hampton School Board Chairman Fred Brewer. "I'm disappointed because I think he's made great contributions to Hampton and we've got lots more to do."

Bullsheet... amazes me how dishonest statements are made by politicians, even school board politicians. They knew before Dr. Russo knew. Hampton... the Li'l Chicago of the South. Maybe the board can get former Illinois governor or even a Chicago school official to come take over the reins. Heck!! recruit from D.C.!!!

what happened to the other posts... Last night there were 34 posts... this morning only 3... what's up with that?

yodawg wrote:

what happened to the other posts... Last night there were 34 posts... this morning only 3... what's up with that?

still there. This was a different write-up.

No wonder schools dont have money , he could take a 10,000 a a year paycut. after all his wife works too ! He has done a fabulous job though!@ HE WILL BE MISSED.

There is a story behind this, you can bet on it.... Let's see how long it takes for it surface

Russo did right by Hampton, whatever his history before his arrival. The real question the paper should be asking is with the "diminished" school budget and a "RIF" policy recently released, what kind of schools will we be left with in the Fall? In the political nepotism and nonsense typical of Hampton, and sure to rear its ugly head with Russo's departure, I expect our children to be short-changed.

Don't be fooled on what you see in front of you compared to the truth about the financial situation with the school division.

Fact: Hampton City Schools was only about 11-12 million in the hole due to the recent financial woes of the commonwealth. The fact is Dr. Russo made decisions that looked great to the public eye and to teachers of HCS. The fact is that HCS did not have the money to pay for this over the past three years. Fact: I find it very conspicuous that Michael Thorton; Chief Operations Officer and Theo Faulk; Director of Finance, leave after one year under his helm when he came on board. That warrants more investigation. They knew the writing on the wall and got out before we hit where we are.

Fact: The extra nine million HCS is in debt for is due to spending money that was not had and now it has caught up to us!!!!

As a leader, one needs to build collaboration, but there was no collaboration, but only fear driven into the executive leadership team. Look at all of the good people Hampton lost over the past years (Cynthia Cooper, Johnny Pauls and list keeps going on and on.

Dr. Russo mirrored many things that were replicated across the country but not that he created. Donna Woods has made the initiatives with secondary reform happen. Many safety initiatives have been driven by student services. Maybe instruction would have improved but Dr. Russo is a manager, not an instructional Leader. Donna Woods, Pat Leary and Mildred Sexton deserve the kudos for their leadership in helping the principals and teachers do their jobs. In return, 97% of our schools were accredited.

Character, honesty and integrity, oh my. The biggest shock is finding out that the most current school board member Martha Muggler, is his next door neighbor. Wow,talk about control on the board and a power move.

There are some good things in place in Hampton, but still much work to do. Not saying who or who should not be the next superintendent but a lot of the initiatives in place are good and can come to fruition with the right leader. Good luck Hampton and do not forgot about the kids and the teachers in your division!!!!

RIF is alot of things but recent, it is not. That's another problem with HCS, behind the curve on way too many things that deal with remediation for students,as well as, students with special needs. You are absolutely right about the paper reporting on the budget. I was wondering if they even knew about the HCS budget crisis. I found it comical that Russo addressed his new subjects in Henrico, telling them that their $14 million dollar deficit was nothing to sneeze at. Henrico is DOUBLE the size of Hampton with HALF the debt. Interesting..........

One of the reasons Hampton is a few million in the hole is due to the ineptitude of not properly filling out a state form. Russo, good job of leaving us with the bag... Thanks!

The Truth...... You must be one of the ones who wants Donna Woods moved into the position of interim superintendent.. or Pat Leary or god forbid Mildred Sexton..I think we're safe there.. I heard she's retiring.... None of those would be good choices ....however, I believe they have snowed some of our "volunteer parents" ...oh excuse me... our school board members into thinking they are capable of the job... What a joke.. Donna Woods hasn't even worked in central administration more than 2 years... yea she's qualified.....
And as far as Martha Mugler being Russo's neighbor... what does that have to do with anything..

Whew, Please don't put words in mouth. I simply stated that facts about the budget, integrity and character and some of the folks that had been working hard for the school division. I don't believe I endorsed anyone for that position. As far as these so called folks snowing over the school board, I guess you would have to ask a board member about that.

I would be interested to hear who you think it should be since it looks like I hit a chord with you so you must have an opinion on who that person should be for the job?

The school board issue is amongst many things that involves integrity and character. I find it a very pertinent detail to establishing another undermining move to gain power amongst the board, but again that is my opinion on the matter and I respect yours, but to say why or why is does not matter... well... come on be realistic...

The truth about the budget, the truth about the treatment of the employees, the truth about character and integrity needs to be put out there. If you really research all of what I said; IT"S THE TRUTH!!!!!!!!

Don't think we can AFFORD a national search!!

Don't think we can AFFORD a national search!

Maybe the board chairman (they guy who shot and killed his neighbor's pig) can hand pick another superintendent.

TheTruth... ARe you saying that our board members are not honest or that they do not possess integrity...which by the way, I think are the same thing...
Not sure what you mean about an undermining move to gain power amonst the board either..... Please state what you mean there as I am curious.. Since you speak the TRUTH. One might suspect you are a disgruntled staff member with an ax to grind...... treatment of employees? truth about character? integrity? I work for the school system.. I am too busy working to know about these things? What about you?

Glad to see him go. He's been useless since he started in Hampton. I only hope the school board hires from within...Linda Shifflette would do a wonderful job! She could certainly get us out from the rut he has put us in.

Happy, what's in it for you if Linda Shifflete gets the nod.... Surely something. HMMMMM, what has she done that many others have missed that make her your choice?

Mike Smith is the leader of Hampton!!!