New Hanover NAACP calls for transparency after school board fires superintendent

The New Hanover County Branch of the NAACP has responded to the New Hanover County Board of Education's firing of former Superintendent Charles Foust.

After a closed session Tuesday night, the school board voted 5-0 without two of its members to unilaterally terminate Foust's contract. Two members -- Stephanie Kraybill and Josie Barnhart -- did not get to vote were because they were not at the meeting.

The unilateral termination of his contract means that Foust will have to be paid a year of his salary from the date of termination, which is $225,000. According to his contract, Foust does not have the right to a hearing before the board and cannot appeal the decision.

In a statement released late Wednesday night, New Hanover County NAACP called for the transparency and accountability of the school board following the "abrupt" and "opaque" termination of Foust.

Chapter President LeRon Montgomery expressed concerns over the decision, highlighting the exclusion of board members from the decision-making process.

"As advocates for equity and justice, the NAACP firmly believes that states and local authorities must eliminate all forms of inequities and barriers to ensure equal educational opportunities for minority groups," Montgomery said in the release. "The public deserves to know the reasons behind Dr. Foust's termination, especially since it was made without all board members present and with virtually no transparency."

Montgomery also questioned whether the board considered the impact of losing one's job without prior notice and what message the decision sends to students, parents and community members.

The release also draws attention to the financial concerns that the NAACP has as county taxpayers are now liable for the financial obligations owed to Foust, who will no longer be serving the district despite having to be paid a year of salary.

"Transparency and logic must be brought to this matter to restore the community's faith in our educational governance." Montgomery said in the release. "The residents of New Hanover County, who are directly impacted by these decisions, deserve to be treated with the respect and dignity that comes from open and honest communication."

Montgomery also wrote a letter to the school board calling for transparency and described the decision to fire Foust without the full board present and without stating any reasoning as "deeply troubling."

"It is imperative that students, parents and citizens of our community receive clear answers as to why such a crucial decision was made in an unanticipated closed session, particularly so soon after the renewal of Dr. Foust's contract," Montgomery wrote.

The board did not give a reason for Foust's firing. The decision came after the board presented results from a staff climate survey, which revealed that district staff has overwhelmingly negative feelings about district leadership as well as the school board. About 72% of teachers responded to the survey that they felt there was not an atmosphere of trust and mutual respect in the district.

Foust, who was the first Black superintendent in the district, had recently earned 2024-25 Southeast Regional Superintendent of the Year. He responded with a statement sent through his attorney, Gary Shipman of Shipman & Wright LLP.

"I am proud of the students and all employees of NHCS. We have accomplished so many great things in the last 4 years," the statement said. "I am grateful for how my peers, the state and the community have recognized the diligent work put forth for student academic achievement."