The Harrison County Federation of Teachers Local 6102 has come out in support of the county's recently suspended school personnel director.
The teacher's union also asked for a quick resolution to Dr. Sharon Brisbin's suspension.
Brisbin has served as the personnel director since October 1999. She was suspended with pay by former Superintendent Pamela Sumpter-Cain on Aug. 23, two days before Sumpter-Cain stepped down to take a position with the state Department of Education.
Brisbin, who has worked in education for 32 years, was not reinstated by Dr. Carl Friebel, who became superintendent following Sumpter-Cain's resignation.
Bernie Hurst, president of Local 6102, said the executive committee and the membership of the union recognized the need to have a trained, qualified professional in charge of overseeing personnel matters.
"Dr. Brisbin has done an excellent job in the past and we look forward to working with her in the future.
"We urge the Harrison County Board of Education to resolve this situation and allow the personnel department to return to normal operating standards as soon as possible," Hurst said.
The superintendent and the board of education are scheduled to meet on Tuesday to discuss personnel matters, but Friebel said he could not confirm that they would be dealing with the personnel director's situation.
"I'm precluded from speaking about this because it is a personnel matter and that makes it confidential. I simply can't provide any specifics," he said.
Friebel said he could appreciate Local 6102's support for Dr. Brisbin, and said he, too, hoped that an amicable solution could be worked out.
"We're working as best we can on this matter to come to a resolution," Friebel said.
Staff writer Gail Marsh can be reached at 626-1447.
