In a sudden and unexpected move, Dr. Susan Morgan, the vice president of the Dorchester County Board of Education, announced her resignation following a heated board meeting last week. Dr. Morgan, who has been a board member since 2020 and has previously served as its president, cited recent events as the tipping point for her decision.
Dr. Morgan’s resignation email, sent last Friday, came after a contentious board meeting where two significant issues were addressed: criticism from board member Chris Wheedleton and the termination of a contract with VisionQuest for alternative schooling. Dr. Morgan joined me to discuss these events and her reasons for stepping down.
The Criticism from Chris Wheedleton
“Chris Wheedleton’s statement at the meeting was largely vague, but he blamed the board’s leadership, which includes me and President Mike Diaz, for unspecified problems,” Dr. Morgan explained. “He was particularly upset about a school budget vote that took place in his absence.”
Dr. Morgan clarified the circumstances around the emergency meeting where the budget was approved. “It wasn’t a secret. We informed all members, including Mr. Wheedleton, via email and announcement. He even told Mr. Diaz he couldn’t attend because of a new client commitment. Despite being reminded of the meeting’s importance, he assumed it was just a presentation.”
The board’s vote to approve the budget and a new RFP for middle and elementary alternative programs was a necessity, Dr. Morgan emphasized. “The emergency meeting resulted in a three-to-one vote on the budget and the RFPs. One member was firmly against VisionQuest, leading to the decision to accept a different proposal.”
The VisionQuest Contract Termination
“The vote to discontinue the contract with VisionQuest was a primary factor in my decision to resign,” Dr. Morgan stated. “Some members were determined to end this contract despite its success. Seven students graduated this year who wouldn’t have without VisionQuest. Their parents and the students themselves saw value in the program.”
Dr. Morgan expressed frustration that some board members had never visited VisionQuest’s campus or classrooms, relying instead on hearsay. “This program was more cost-effective than previous in-house programs and other private vendors we’ve used.”
Financial Mismanagement
In a prior, unaired interview, Dr. Morgan and President Diaz discussed efforts to control school spending. “The financial habits we found were disastrous. There were no constraints, and the spending was rampant,” she said. “Some budget categories were overspent by millions.”
Challenges from the County Council
“The county council has been a huge roadblock,” Dr. Morgan noted. “They haven’t provided the 1% needed for capital projects, forcing us to use reserve funds and hurting our budget. The board members’ stipend hasn’t increased in over 20 years, despite state mandates.”
Dr. Morgan’s Reflections and Future Plans
Reflecting on her resignation, Dr. Morgan admitted to mixed feelings. “I was elected to represent my district, and it feels bad to step down early. But with three members consistently outvoting us, I saw no value in staying when the atmosphere had become toxic.”
As for her future, Dr. Morgan looks forward to enjoying her retirement. “I’ve been retired for eight years but always had board responsibilities. Now, I’ll travel and truly enjoy my retirement.”
Final Thoughts
Dr. Susan Morgan’s departure marks a significant change for the Dorchester County Board of Education. Her efforts and dedication to improving the school system are appreciated, and she leaves with the best wishes from the community.
This is Jim Brady, WHCP News Director, signing off for Mid-Shore Midday.
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