From school system press release on its website

Geraldine Middleton, superintendent of Halifax County Schools, submitted her  resignation to the Board of Education at Monday night’s meeting.

Middleton became superintendent in July 2007. She was immediately faced with a financial crisis from the 2006-2007 and 2007-2008 school years. This year, she has faced a state takeover due to low standardized test scores for the past five years.

“It is both with resolve and anticipation that I submit my resignation effective September 18, 2009,” Middleton said. “I have accepted an opportunity to further my current career goals and

achieve growth within a new adventure.”

Middleton said she has accepted a position as Chief Area Officer with the Chicago Public

School System. 

Chicago Public Schools is the third largest school district in the United States with 408,000

students in 666 schools. Middleton said Chief Area Officer is the equivalent of being

superintendent to 30 to 40 schools within that huge district.

In a prepared statement, Middleton told the board and audience, “Two years ago, with a

vision, a dream, and mountains of faith, I accepted the job as superintendent of Halifax County

Schools. In this capacity, I served the children and the community tirelessly. I was vigilant in my

attempts to raise test scores, create positive learning environments, implement new programs and

create the financial stability of the district.

“Many times I was faced with difficult decisions and had to perform what seemed, the

impossible,” she continued.  “Difficult decisions are not always popular; however, if they are

made in the best interest of children, they become challenges you cannot, should not and must

not ignore.

“I will remain committed to cost effectiveness, innovative programs geared to 21st century

learning, research-based professional growth and development – all the while dedicated to

helping children overcome obstacles and reaching higher levels of achievement.  In order to

grow, we will always have to ‘navigate the winds of change.’

“To the children who attend Halifax County Schools,” said Middleton, “I continue to wish

that you will grow educationally and always strive to be excellent in all your endeavors.  You are

the future leaders.  As you ‘navigate the winds of change,’ keep in mind that if you are prepared

intellectually, there is no limit on what you can be.

“To the parents of the children who attend Halifax County Schools,” she continued, “I

challenge you to ensure that your children receive a quality education daily. By attending parent-

teacher conferences, PTA meetings, volunteering and by being an active participant in the

educational process, you can help to facilitate a new vision and a bright future for your child.  

“Underscored in this challenge is that you not just become active in times of crisis incited by

politicians,” Middleton continued, “but instead demonstrate responsible actions throughout your

child’s school years.

“To the teachers,” Middleton said, “I implore you to take advantage of the challenge to

educate all children and to fully embrace change because it is incapable of being avoided. 

Always bring new vitality to the classroom and fresh approaches to teaching.  Our children must

never be the losers in an educational decision, especially if those decisions benefit someone’s

political career and personal ambition.

“To the community,” she continued, “I encourage you to embrace the necessary changes

related to declining enrollment, budget cuts, and low student achievement as an opportunity to

use wisdom versus status quo, excellence versus mediocrity, strength and fortification versus

what is politically expedient for someone else and reason versus inappropriate tactics. 

‘It has been my genuine pleasure to work for Halifax County Schools,” Middleton concluded. 

“I have enjoyed working with the fine staff of professional colleagues and will miss my

association with them.  I will keep Halifax County Schools in my prayers.”

An arrest was made following a Friday assault which apparently started over the victim not liking what his wife cooked for him.

Lt. Bobby Martin  of the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office said in a press release Lt. Stevie Salmon responded to an assault call in the 5000 block of Justice Branch Road in Enfield. 

EMS was already on scene treating the victim, James Lewis, 85, for head injuries. The man’s wife, Rosie, 71, was standing outside with EMS as they were treating the victim.

Martin said Salmon learned there was an argument earlier in the morning, which is believed to have started over breakfast, when the victim did not like what was cooked for him.

Mrs. Lewis cooked the victim another meal. While this was going on another argument took place and escalated when Mr. Lewis picked up his cane and drew back in an attempt to strike Mrs. Lewis.

Mrs. Lewis picked up an iron frying pan and hit her husband on the head several times, knocking him to the floor and causing a head injury.

The victim was carried to Halifax Regional Medical Center in Roanoke Rapids where he received 50 stitches.

The last check of the victim was that he was doing well. Mrs. Lewis was charged with assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury and was placed in the Halifax County Jail under no bond under state domestic violence laws. Her court date is Aug. 26.

A Littleton area man was arrested yesterday in a Sunday pistol whipping, the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office reported this morning.

Lt. Bobby Martin said in a news release Roanoke Rapids Police notified the sheriff’s office they located Kendrell Robinson, 21.

Robinson was wanted in an assault on Justice Branch Road in Littleton where he allegedly struck the victim several times with a handgun causing severe damage to the victim’s head and face.

Detective Rich Somogyi investigated the case and was able to secure warrants on Robinson, who was jailed on $100,000 bond.

Robinson was charged with two counts of felony conspiracy, assault inflicting serious bodily injury, assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury, two counts of communicating threats, attempted robbery with a dangerous weapon and larceny of a firearm. 

The victim is recovering well, Martin said.

A Roanoke Rapids man was arrested last night as he was fleeing from a house he allegedly broke into, Police Chief Jeff Hinton said this morning.

Around 8:30 last night, police received a tip someone broke into a house at Third and Washington Street.

Hinton said police were able to catch Kevin Shorter Jr., 24, as he was running from the house.

Shorter was charged with felonious breaking and entering, felony larceny and possession of stolen goods. Bond was $7,000.