AMERICUS — A community meeting was held on April 16 at Bethesda Baptist Church to discuss the non-renewal of Kimothy Hadley’s contract with the Sumter County School system.

Hadley is currently the principal at Americus-Sumter High School’s South Campus. The Board of Education (BOE) recently voted not to renew Hadley’s contract for the 2015-16 school term.

Speakers at the meeting criticized this decision, citing Hadley’s many successes as principal at the school. Speakers also urged individuals to register to vote and to sign a petition asking for the reinstatement of Hadley. Audience members were also encouraged to attend meetings of the Board of Education, the Americus City Council and the Sumter County Board of Commissioners.

A short Q&A was held after the meeting during which audience members were invited to address their concerns. One participant asked if there was any information on why Hadley’s contract was not renewed and the Rev. DeRienzia Johnson stated that no reason was given by the board.

A former BOE member, Lorena Barnum Sabbs, spoke to the congregation, outlining the difference between the non-renewal of a contract and a firing. This individual then went on to tell the congregation that it is not the BOE’s policy to publicly discuss personnel matters.

At the conclusion of the meeting, a station was set up in the lobby where individuals could register to vote or volunteer to participate in the registration drive.