Montgomery, Alabama, September 24, 2024 — With the recent resignation of Montgomery Public Schools (MPS) superintendent Dr. Melvin J. Brown, there have been baseless attacks and harassment by certain Montgomery County Board of Education members, specifically Dr. Lesa Keith. Throughout Dr. Brown’s tenure as superintendent, these falsehoods and obstruction have hindered the operation of his role – causing a difficult work environment and damaging his good name and character. Since Dr. Brown’s resignation, certain board members have gone further in their harassment by making public comments and negative innuendos on social media, radio, and during board meetings that are defamatory and unfounded.
The ongoing dysfunction of these board members cannot continue as MPS prepares to identify its next superintendent. Dr. Brown’s vision has always been to move MPS, educators, and students toward success and a brighter future, as proven by his track record of accomplishments. He wants to ensure his transition is efficient and of good nature but cannot do so under duress.
The actions of Dr. Keith and other board members are incongruous and offensive. They are elected to represent their district and advocate for students and educators—not to belittle, hinder progress, or overstep their roles as board members for over 25,000 children in MPS. At no point should a public servant or employee be subjected to adversarial treatment at the hands of people to whom he or she reports.
AEA urges the Montgomery County School Board to consider how its handling of Dr. Brown’s employment and previous employees has impacted MPS and, even more importantly, to consider how its next steps will impact MPS in the future. Board members should be in a position where it hopes to attract and retain candidates of the highest caliber and qualifications for the highest-level positions in MPS. They cannot do this by being known for smears and other unprofessional acts at the expense of MPS officials.
For the sake of the community and children in MPS, AEA hopes and trusts that the board members and Dr. Keith will retract and disavow all baseless attacks on Dr. Brown. Board members should also identify and review their roles and responsibilities as a school board and work in good faith cohesively. Doing so will help eliminate further obstruction and provide better education opportunities for MPS as they work together to select the next superintendent.
For more information or inquiries, contact Bobby Segall, Esq., at 334-834-1180.
Link to Dr. Melvin J. Brown’s video statement: Dr. Melvin Brown Response Video
