The state of children in the county

Board chair cites loss of confidence in leadership; Wilson supporters say move not warranted 

Carlton Wison shakes hands with supporters after his sudden removal as school superintendent for Pickens County Thursday in the school board meeting room. Facing a clear three-two vote against him, he had no choice but to resign, he said.

       After two quickly called “emergency” meetings, a 3-2 split among members of school board forced the resignation of Superintendent Carlton Wilson Thursday morning. 

The resignation was effective immediately, throwing the central office into temporary turmoil and prompting a third meeting Friday morning, where Dr. Charles Webb, who had previously served as interim, was again named to that position [See story on page 2A].

Following the Thursday meeting, a visibly shaken Wilson spoke to the Progress saying, “I am shocked. This came out of left field. We have a great school system. Great teachers, great parents and great students.”

        See full story in this week's print or online editions.  

Progress file photo

Dr. Charles Webb

In a unanimous 5-0 vote, members of the Pickens County Board of Education on Friday, Dec. 20 voted to hire Dr. Charles Webb as the school system’s interim superintendent, filling the void left when Dr. Calrton Wilson resigned a day earlier.

Dr. Webb is no stranger to Pickens schools as he was hired in December 2016 to replace Dr. Lula Mae Perry when she too was ousted as superintendent. The board appointed Webb - a seasoned education administrator - to temporarily fill the superintendent’s position until the board hires a permanent replacement.  

Bob Pettee at his home in Bent Tree. pettee played with Alabama in the late 50s and early 60s. Pettee is retired now, but very active locally. He volunteers with his church, Fellowship Presbyterian, as well as with the Boys & Girls Club where he is a mentor and benefactor. 

       I knew I was at the right place when I saw the University of Alabama flag. Bob Pettee, who played on the Alabama football team under the iconic Bear Bryant, greeted me at his door in a red dress shirt with the team’s “A” embroidered on the chest. Inside, the stairwell was lined with memorabilia, including a team photo taken after Alabama clinched the National Championship in 1961 – the first of Bryant’s coaching career. He played for Alabama between 1959 and 1962, and was on the team briefly with Joe Namath who was a freshman player when he was a senior.  

            Pettee was born in Florida but ended up at the University of Alabama on a full scholarship after Coach Bryant recruited him from Manatee High School. He sat down with the Progress to talk about his football days, Bear Bryant, and how college ball has changed over the years. 

Green B. Suttles III

     Press Release from The Chason Group - (Jasper, Georgia) A joint committee of City of Jasper and Pickens County leaders has announced a finalist in  their search for an economic development professional. Green B. Suttles III will be presented for approval to The Development Authority of Pickens County, Mayor and City Council of Jasper and the Pickens County  Board of Commissioners at meetings in early January. His title will be President and CEO of The Development Authority of Pickens County.

“Our main focus has been on identifying a professional to lead a dynamic, cooperative-minded economic development program for the community,” according to Pickens County Commissioner Becky Denney, co-chair of the joint committee.

       “Green brings a level of experience to the position that we have been looking for. His background in working with the public and private sectors is right in line with the skills sets we established early on.”