Hanover County Schools

ONLINE EXCLUSIVE: Berger under fire for lack of stance, no show next day

Brian Berger, the county commissioner who has historically been an outspoken critic of the governmental process, came under attack at an agenda review meeting on Thursday, May 12.

The following day Berger was conspicuously absent at a joint meeting of the county commissioners and the New Hanover County school board the following morning, Friday May 13.

The fracas publicly erupted Thursday evening as commissioners prepared for their regular mid-monthly meeting Monday, May 16.

After arriving 20 minutes late, as Berger repeatedly refused to recommend whether or not to renew the contract with Wilmington Downtown Inc., his colleagues boiled over with frustration.

“I think it’s pretty pathetic that you can’t give us, as our sitting representative on that board, that you can’t give us a recommendation,” said commissioner Ted Davis.

The other commissioners had bumped that issue down the agenda as they waited for Berger to arrive, since vice chairman Jason Thompson said he had reservations about renewal due to past controversies. However, chairman Jonathan Barfield stated he probably wouldn’t be in favor of continuing the contract, and Rick Catlin also said he had questions.

When Berger arrived, he said Davis had previously brought up concerns about multi-year contracts, and he shared those concerns, particularly over contracts with economic development agencies. However, he thought it would be unfair to look at WDI separately from Wilmington Industrial Development and the Wilmington Regional Film Commission.

Berger called for a comprehensive review and development of a strategy for economic development. He has urged this several times before; other commissioners have said that falls under the overall strategic planning process the county has been undertaking for several months.

Barfield said the WDI contract was the one currently up for renewal. He, Thompson, Catlin and Davis all pressed Berger for a yea or nay, but Berger said it wasn’t the right approach to look at WDI in a vacuum, and he wouldn’t continue with policies he’d criticized.

Davis and Thompson said his lack of a recommendation told them the county shouldn’t continue its relationship with WDI.

“Brian, you’ve got to learn and step up to the plate sometimes,” Davis said. “That’s why you were elected.”

Berger then came under fire for frequently showing up late to meetings. Barfield also said Berger needed to fully inform himself on all the issues and share his opinions.

New group to look at equity in New Hanover schools – Staying After ...

New Hanover County Schools Superintendent Tim Markley is gathering applicants for a new committee that will look at equity issues in New Hanover County schools.

Previous education reporters at the StarNews have written about the Title IX infringement between girls and boys athletics here.

So if you’re interested in justice issues, NHCS wants you for its Equity Advisory Committee.

From the press release: “Issues of concern may include curriculum, student services and employment. Members will be appointed by the Superintendent and serve a two-year term.”

District employees, a Board of Education member and students may apply. Meetings will be bi-monthly and will be open to the public.

Applications must be submitted by June 10, 2011.

Details: 254-4245 or email debora.trafton@nhcs.net.

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