From The Guthrie News Leader

By Belinda Ramsey, Editor

When I first arrived in Guthrie, (April) I spoke to Guthrie’s school superintendent, Mr. Terry Simpson. I invited him to submit a column once a week or once a month – whatever he preferred.

I explained how important I thought it was for our readers to hear from him on how things are progressing in the school district from his prospective.

I’ve offered and published columns from every superintendent in every school district, in every state I’ve been in prior to moving to Guthrie, so it was pretty much “the norm” in my book.

What I heard next was anything but “the norm.”

Mr. Simpson told me he simply would not submit anything - and the school district would no longer place advertising with this newspaper UNTIL… I removed Sound Off (our message boards) from the Guthrie News Leader website.

I was a little shocked and confused, so the only thing I could say was, “That sounds like an ultimatum to me Mr. Simpson.”

He said he believed it was, but that the school board had directed him not to do business with this newspaper until we removed that one part of OUR website.

I told Mr. Simpson that I understood how hard it could be to hear and read criticism, but his position, as superintendent, was and should be open to criticism. He said he understands that, but criticism about other school employees should not be open for criticism, and there had been postings on our website critical of some of his employees.

Now, I understand doing what your boss tells you to do – no question. But, as I explained to Mr. Simpson, surely the board would agree that having a weekly or monthly update on the school districts progress, in HIS words, would be nothing but positive for the students, their parents, the readers, his employees, himself and the board.

He said he really couldn’t do anything until I complied with their request.

I explained to Mr. Simpson that I would be happy to try and work with him, but that I really didn’t take well to ultimatums – it’s just not the way I do business.

I will allow Sound Off to continue – as long as the participants follow the guidelines. If they don’t then they will be banned from the site. The right to free speech should be protected – and taught in our school curriculums.

I hope the school board has a change of heart and allows Mr. Simpson to have open communication with the students, parents and residents of Logan County. I’ve offered a free “vehicle” to do that.

I certainly hope with the new school year upon us we’ll see a new attitude from Mr. Simpson and the school board.