The New Hanover County Association of Educators rejects comments made by New Hanover County Schools Superintendent Dr. Charles Foust in a Star News newspaper article published April 19, 2022.

In this article, Foust accused teachers of using a “‘bless your heart’ curriculum, where they lower expectations of their students because of  their home life.  His stance has been that Black children throughout the county are being failed by the system.”  The article goes on to quote Foust as saying, “What do I expect from teachers?  I expect them to do what we hired them to do:  teach.” 

The article also states, “Foust acknowledges the achievement gap in New Hanover County Schools, but he blames the school system’s failing on teachers for lowering their expectations of some students, and the media, who in his mind sensationalize the district’s failures rather than celebrate its success.”

Foust also places the onus on principals to change the mindset of teachers.

To express such views at any time is inappropriate, but to express them after an extremely difficult school year is especially egregious and disturbing.  A Superintendent is supposed to be the leader for all teachers, staff, and students in a school system.  His comments are harmful to those who have worked faithfully and tirelessly and directly with students during a global pandemic.  In other words, the teachers have been teaching. It is disrespectful to even insinuate that teachers aren’t teaching and that they are the only ones to carry the entire weight of the school district’s success.  

As well, Dr. Foust is disparaging entire groups of students when he suggests that they are likely to fail due to their environment.

It is clear that Dr. Charles Foust’s beliefs do not align with the well-being of educators and students in New Hanover County.  The comments are unprofessional at best and slanderous  and malicious at worst.  

Because Dr. Foust is damaging to the teachers, employees, and students of New Hanover County Schools, we request that the Board vote to remove him from his position as Superintendent or allow him to resign his position.