Lee Hall has been working for Greenwood Public Schools for the last 20 years.
That’s just part of the reason he can’t figure out why he’s been fired.
“They decided not to bring me back,” said Hall, who drove school buses for the district and also broadcast its football games on WGNG. “They haven’t given me a reason.”
Hall said he suspects the decision not to invite him back has to do with the political views he expresses on air, in particular his opinions about the current Greenwood School Board.
Hall has been a frequent critic of the board, especially when it selected Dr. Montrell Greene as superintendent rather than Dr. Jennifer Wilson, who had been interim superintendent.
Hall said Greene has not gotten back to him regarding his employment status. He learned by word of mouth that he had not been asked back.
“I’ve been hearing it from the community,” said Hall. “Dr. Greene said he would get back to me, but he never did.”
Ted Anderson, Hall’s supervisor for the bus route, said he was just the messenger for the news that Hall wasn’t asked back.
“I have no idea why,” said Anderson. “You’d have to call Central Office.”
Margaret Dean, a spokeswoman for the school district, said that personnel matters are never discussed publicly, and decisions regarding employees are made in executive session.
“I’m not privy to that information,” said Dean. “But the school board always makes personnel decisions for the betterment of the students.”
As for Hall, who’s spent the last 15 years driving buses and the last 20 years broadcasting the football games, he’s accepted his fate with the district.
He said he’s sure the ballgames will continue to be aired live on radio; he just thinks someone else’s radio station will be asked to air them.
“The district and the administration have been very receptive to the broadcasting,” said Hall. “They just don’t want me broadcasting them.”
He also speculated that the reason for his dismissal might be related to the district’s new motto.
“I think it has to do with maximizing potential,” Hall said. “That’s what they say they’re doing, getting the best out of whatever they do. Maybe I’m not doing a good enough job. Maybe they’ll get someone who will do a better job and maximize potential.”
• Contact Jeanie Riess at 581-7235 or jriess@gwcommonwealth.com.
