Gunn is Done
PROTECTED CONTENT
If you’re a current subscriber, log in below. If you would like to subscribe, please click the subscribe tab above.
Username and Password Help
Please enter your email and we will send your username and password to you.
School Board splits vote in accepting Superintendent Gunn’s resignation
After serving as Superintendent of the McCreary County School District for less than eight months, Dr. John W. Gunn tendered his resignation as local school superintendent during a special called board meeting on Monday night (February 20, 2023).
After meeting in executive (closed) session for approximately 2 ½ hours, the Board split its vote 3-2 in favor of accepting Gunn’s agreement and release. Acting on a motion made by Board Chairperson Johnny Barnett and seconded by Board Member Cody Perry, Board Members Barnett, Perry, and Estle Swain voted to accept Gunn’s release agreement. The remaining two board members voted against accepting the release.
“I do not feel School Division 2 was included and represented in this process,” Division 2 Board Member Braxton King said as he voted “nay.”
Board Member Stacey Hammons also voted “nay.”
“After reviewing information given by the Board Attorney, OEA (Office of Education Accountability), and KDE (Kentucky Department of Education), I do not see any grounds for dismissal of Superintendent Gunn,” Hammons stated. “I do not think it is in the school district’s best interest, financially or educationally, to accept the release.”
When The Voice requested a statement from Board Chairperson Johnny Barnett, Barnett gave no comment, indicating the board attorney had recommended no comment until final details of the release agreement are implemented.
Interestingly enough, the law requires three board members to hire a superintendent or accept a resignation. Four board member votes are required for dismissal.
When asked by The Voice to comment on his resignation, Gunn replied.
“There are so many high-quality and valuable principals, teachers, and staff here in McCreary County,” Dr. Gunn observed. “I consider it an honor to have worked with them! May they keep up the good work for the benefit of the students!”
Arriving in McCreary County from Hopkinsville, KY as a seasoned career educator, Dr. Gunn assumed his role as McCreary County School Superintendent in July, 2022 following the retirement of former superintendent, Corey Keith. Since 2016, four superintendents have taken the helm of the McCreary County School System. With Dr. Gunn’s resignation, the Board must now appoint an interim superintendent and begin the search for a new superintendent of schools.
The Voice will continue to follow this story as developments occur.
