Following an appeal hearing Friday afternoon, it will be up to a judge to decide whether a former principal can have a job back.
Judge Tain Kell heard oral arguments from attorneys representing both the Cobb County Board of Education and Lawrence Bynum. Kell opted not to issue a ruling from the bench.
Last summer, Bynum was named North Cobb High School principal while under investigation for sexual harassment allegations, which began while he was Floyd Middle School principal. In July 2008, Bynum was issued a letter of reprimand.
The “last chance” letter contained 13 directives for Bynum and stated that he was expected to “...exercise exemplary professional judgment while performing your leadership function.” Furthermore, the letter stated that Bynum could be fired for noncompliance.
While at Floyd, Bynum was credited with turning around a failing school with his no-nonsense style.
Within days of starting at North Cobb, Bynum suggested a female school social worker “wear a dress and stilettos” for a presentation. He has said he was trying to put her at ease.
In October, the Cobb board fired Bynum, citing insubordination because of Bynum’s statements and actions at North Cobb. In addition to the statement, Bynum has been accused of retaliating against a former assistant principal after she informed him of her interest in a job at another school.
In voting to fire Bynum, the board went beyond the recommendations of both Cobb Superintendent Fred Sanderson and a tribunal panel.
In March, the state board agreed with the Cobb board that Bynum was guilty of willful neglect of duties and insubordination, but disagreed on the punishment.
Both the school system and Bynum have the right to appeal Kell’s decision to the Georgia Court of Appeals.
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