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photo by George L. Jones
Selma Schools Superintendent Austin Obasohan makes a point Tuesday during his first press conference at the Selma-Dallas County Public Library.
Obasohan greets the public
Published Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Austin Obasohan was not supposed to be standing where he was Tuesday afternoon.
People who were once homeless rarely get the opportunity to succeed, much less share their success with other people.
His openness about his past is not for pity. He hopes he can help someone who does not believe certain obstacles are impossible to overcome.
He wants a student to look at him and know that there is not much difference other than age between them.
And as the new superintendent of The Selma City Schools, Obasohan wants local children to compete globally for jobs and educational opportunities.
“There is a part of child’s life that has to be touched by someone other than that child’s natural parents; and if you don’t do that, that child is lost,” he said. “Adversity is OK. It’s what you do with it that matters and how you transform the lives of people around you.”
Obasohan met faculty, media and members of the public during a press conference in the Vaughan Room at the Selma-Dallas County Public Library.
A native of Nigeria and an educator for more than 28 years, Obasohan has most recently spent six years as an assistant principal and nine as a principal in North Carolina.
He holds a master’s in education from Virginia State University and a doctorate in education from Appalachian State University.
He vowed to give an open ear to everyone involved with the students’ lives.
“My basic concern for this year or any year is definitely communication. We are lacking a lot of that,” said Carolyn Brown-Smith, whose son is a seventh grader at CHAT Academy. “I’m one that wants to know what’s going on in my child’s life, as well as with other kids.”
Mayor-elect George Evans, a former superintendent of the Dallas County Schools for six years, said Obasohan’s job won’t be easy at times. But Evans believes Obasohan has the right ideas in place.
“I’m very impressed with his vision,” Evans said. “The things he stated and the idea of teachers, students parents and the board all working together is the key to it all. What’s going to take our city moving forward is working together.”
Comments
Posted by leo71 (anonymous) on September 2, 2008 at 9:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I have a child in the Selma city school system as well,and based on what i've seen it's in dire need of strong,competent leadership.I hope the school board has gotten this one right this time.
Posted by pari1220 (anonymous) on September 4, 2008 at 7:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)
It takes more than just one man.....the parents have to care and get involved. Most parents don't even know who their kids teachers are nor do they even care. I've got 2 parents on my street that don't work and are too lazy to even get up & take their kids to school....instead they shove them on a bus before the sun comes up!! Parents make the school system not some out of state man who hasn't got a clue about Selma City Schools!!!
Posted by sel36703 (anonymous) on September 4, 2008 at 11:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Selma's youth has a very dynamic culture, which needs to be the focus of both parents and city officials if Selma and its future are to prosper. I am happy that the school board has taken an initiative to take the school in a new direction with a new leader, but I question his ability to understand the dynamics of the culture of Selma and the threats that threatens the progress of its students. It is my wish that he will have the ability to relate to these students, particularly those who have fallen by the waist side. I would even go as far as to challenge him to challenge even those who are presumed to be successful students to determine their compatibility with students afar. Nevertheless, I wish him the best of luck and encourage him to not only continue the progress for those students on the right track to success, but encourage and create programs for those who have lost their path as well.
Posted by leo71 (anonymous) on September 5, 2008 at 7:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree with both of you.Parental involvement-- especially among black parents whose children virtually make up all of Selma City School's student populace-- is key to accountability and student achievement.It's very disturbing how many parents neglect this vital part of their children's lives...which is equally important as feeding,clothing,and sheltering them.
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