Voters might find it ironic that Vickie Benson(D) the candidate challenging Randy Scamihorn for a seat on the Cobb Board of Education, finds herself in a rather peculiar situation. Our tipline received documents revealing that Chambers County, located over two hours away by car, is currently under the direction of the Federal Courts due to Judge Watkins’ ruling.
Chambers County, where Cobb school board candidate Vickie Benson is currently employed as an educator, has been found in violation of the historic Brown vs. Board of Education ruling and subsequent desegregation laws/rulings for over 50 years. According to Federal Court documents, Benson’s place of employment, J.P. Powell Middle School, is specifically listed in the consent decree. This agreement, accepted by the Chambers County School District, mandates that the STEAM program must provide necessary instructional resources, alongside a massive school building program.
Cobb Voice acknowledges that a classroom teacher like Ms. Vickie Benson in South Alabama would not have the authority or skillset to open or close schools, nor could she direct an individual school or district to end violations of desegregation. It is unlikely she has any significant influence in resolving the longstanding dispute. However, it is difficult to escape the irony of Benson’s platform juxtaposed with the consent decree that Chambers County, Alabama, must now follow and must proceed with a massive building program for numerous schools.
Cobb Handicapper – this is a very awkward situation, at best. Some observers might believe that Vickie Benson would be better suited to help guide her place of employment rather than seek to guide Cobb Schools from such a distance. Watching…
