Danville School Board's Unanimous Decision: Administrator Dismissal Sparks Change

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In a decisive move, the Danville Board of Education has chosen to terminate the employment of its Director of Business, a decision that took place during a board meeting on Wednesday evening. The unanimous vote signaled the immediate dismissal of Narcissus Rankin, who had held the role within the Danville School District.

The board’s resolution extended beyond her administrative duties, as Rankin was also dismissed from her role as a tenured teacher within the district. Furthermore, she has been placed on unpaid administrative leave, pending the formal proceedings required for her dismissal in her teaching capacity.

Rankin opted to address the board directly during the public comment segment of the meeting, aiming to clarify her position. “In the interest of truth and transparency, I would like to address the concerns that were raised in the letter I received from Mr. Hart on October 16th,” Rankin stated, confronting the issues head-on.

She proceeded to detail several allegations outlined in the letter, prominently featuring accusations of “mismanagement of the business office.” Rankin, however, contended that prior to receiving the letter, there had been no documented discussions regarding “excessive breaks, personal business conducted during work hours, or general mismanagement of the department.”

Rankin listed several issues that were cited in the letter she received from the district, among those, included “mismanagement of the business office.” But Rankin said before she received the letter there were no documented conversations about “excessive breaks, personal business conducted during work hours or general mismanagement of the department.”

“What is most troubling about this process is the complete absence of any direct communication regarding my performance,” Rankin said during public comment. “At no time was I approached with concerns, offered feedback or given the opportunity to improve or respond.”

Another issue cited in the letter concerned “financial controls” regarding former Superintendent Alicia Geddis’ use of her personal credit card, Rankin said. Regarding this issue, Rankin explained that a vendor refused to take a purchase order, and the district issued card did not have enough credit. Rankin said board members were aware of and approved this solution at the time.

Rankin added that her dismissal is retaliatory and rooted in her relationship with Geddis.

Geddis was placed on administrative leave in February after working remotely since November, in response to perceived threats to her safety. After Geddis was placed on leave, the board began the work of crafting a settlement agreement that would see them part ways with Geddis. Documents obtained by WCIA revealed that the school district would pay Geddis more than $500,000, in addition to other expenses, as part of the agreement.

WCIA reached out to representatives for the board and the district to learn more but did not receive a response back.