The Interview: Ken Megginson

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - Ken Megginson is a Mobile County Public Schools graduate, and served the schools of Mobile as a teacher for 26 years. He taught at Murphy and Toulminville high schools.

So when Megginson retired from teaching, many of his friends had one question - What are you going to do?

Megginson said they all knew how much he loved being in the classroom. He took a job offered to him by then-District Attroney John Tyson, Jr., working with the Helping Families Initiative.

He said the job exposed him to some serious needs he saw in the community. He felt he could do more, so he ran for a position on the Mobile County School Board. He's been in the position for six years.

Today, Megginson said a few of his job's challenges include finding a new superintendent, guns being brought to school, and redistricting.

"It is a job that is a challenge, but a whole mess of rewards. But you've got to have a tough skin, and you got to have a lot of love. My whole life has been Mobile County public schools. Literally, I wait for the bell to go 'ding-a-ling' so I'll know what to do," Megginson said.

Megginson said one thing he's learned is that if you want to get someone excited or upset, you start talking about their children.

REDISTRICTING

Many parents right now are upset because redistricting of Alabama's largest school system is on the board's agenda. Megginson said it's more than a quick fix.

Take a look at the redistricting maps here.

"Things are changing, and the needs of our community are changing, the demographics of our city and county are changing," he said. "We just can't look at the effect for today. We have to look at long term effect, if we do this what is it going to be like three, five, 10 years from now."

Megginson said he feels redistricting is a difficult job.

"I try to listen to each one of their comments. I try to put myself in their position," he said. "We're going to do everything we can to make sure the decision we make not only will affect their child in a positive way, but children that will follow them in a positive way."

The redistricting is the result of Saraland , Satsuma , and possibly Chickasaw leaving the county school system. Megginson said people are not talking enough.

"I am disappointed, it's hard for me personally," he said. "One of our shortcomings [of] why this is happening, we need to communicate more, we need to get out in the communities more, we need to listen more, talk to, share with each other. And rather than pointing fingers at each other, we need to join hands and move forward."

The board is expected to make a decision around Wednesday, December 14.

GUNS IN SCHOOL

Stopping students from bringing guns to school is another major concern of the board and Megginson. In two months, four students brought guns to four different schools.

He said an important question is, how did the child get the gun?

"I don't a think a child is born with the idea of picking up a gun and carrying to school. We need to hold someone accountable for that, at the same time let them know that this will not be tolerated."

He said adults, as mothers and fathers, need to keep a closer eye on children.

"I appreciate parents stepping forward and saying, 'We're going to take more responsibility for raising our children,'" he said.

NEW SUPERINTENDENT

Dr. Roy Nichols is retiring December 2011 after four years as Mobile County's superintendent.

"I think he's done a remarkable job. One reason why he's been successful in some very difficult times financially, is because he surrounds himself with good people," Megginson remarked.

Even though the board had whittled down the list of applicants to three finalists, they were still unable to select a replacement .

"We felt like that it just didn't match up with us, that their background, their life experiences really at this time, just didn't match up with Mobile and needs that we have."

He said the board is going to continue its search. Until then, Deputy Superintendent Martha Peek will serve as interim superintendent until a permanent replacement is found.

Megginson said it is an awesome responsibility with 63,000 children, 8,000 employees, and 90-plus buildings, but he believes the board will find the right person.

"God gave us the greatest gift of all - that's our children, and that's a responsibility of the Mobile County Public Schools takes very seriously. And we're going to do everything we can to live up to that responsibility," he concluded.