Brunswick Co. School Board votes to terminate Pruden

BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — There will be a new superintendent for Brunswick County Schools. On Wednesday, the school board voted to terminate the contract of Superintendent Edward Pruden, effective November 30.

The Brunswick County School Board last week called a special meeting for 9 a.m. today, including a closed session to talk about personnel. The meeting lasted about three hours, with the decision to terminate the contract passing 3-2.

Pruden says the decision was abrupt.

“I think it is the cumulative effect of a number of tough issues over the years,” Pruden said.

The Brunswick County Board of Education released a statement following the decision.

“The Board voted today to unilaterally terminate Dr. Edward Pruden’s employment pursuant to Section 18 of his contract. The Board has determined that it would like to begin its transition to a new superintendent at this time. The Board has calculated that the buyout of Dr. Pruden’s contract will result in a payment to Dr. Pruden in an amount less than $130,000. The Board believes this decision is in the best interest of the Brunswick County Schools.”

Monday, Superintendent Edward Pruden said the board told him after Election Day that he would be fired if he did not resign. Supporters for the superintendent were also in attendance for the meeting, prior to the closed session. The supporters even left signs in the chairs of the board members.

“If they do this, it’s going to fracture us as a system,” said an employee of Brunswick County Schools.

“The board is trying to control things on a personal note instead of trying to do what’s best for the school system,” another supporter said.

Pruden announced earlier this year that he would leave the district when his contract expires at the end of June 2015. WWAY’s Sarah Murphy asked why they decided to fire Pruden before that date.

“The board voted to terminate effective November 30th. They decided it was not appropriate to wait,”

Pruden says he’s holding his head high and he plans to work again.

“Because I’ve done a good job. Because I have the support of the teacher and the community,” Pruden said.

The Board says they are hoping for a new direction now. A direction that begins with a new superintendent.