Stone County superintendent contract not renewed

The future fate of Stone County Superintendent Inita Owens has now been decided.

The Stone County School Board has chosen not to extend Superintendent Inita Owens contract. The decision was made Monday night after a two hour long executive session.

The public came out in masses, showing their support and to oppose Superintendent Owen’s contract extension during the meeting.

For the closed door deliberation process, Stone County residents had a chance to let their voices be heard.

Stone County High School parent Carma Howze was at the Monday night meeting and shares her reaction with WXXV. “I feel good about the decision because change is needed, been needed and we finally got it. I’m happy. I’m very happy for it. It’s a lot of things that wasn’t told that needed to be told, some things that happened that was pretty much swept under the rug”.

Julie Bond, who is on the Stone County School board representing District 5, voted in favor of Superintendent Owen. In a statement provided to WXXV she says, “Speaking for myself and not the current board, I voted to support the renewal of Inita Owen’s contract based on the growth and success, both academically, and fiscally, this school district has achieved under her leadership.
With the passing of the bond issue and new high school being built, I feel very strongly that since Ms. Owen led this effort, she should see it to completion.”

We reached out to Superintendent Owen for a statement, but no response.