After much deliberation, The School Board unanimously accepted the resignation of Superintendent Dr. Beverley Geltner by a 7-0 vote.

Although the decision was a solid one, there was much controversy between the School Board and the Southfield community. Many members of society came out to support Geltner and were outraged at the final decision to accept her resignation.

“ I know what she can do, and I know what Southfield needs,” said Ben Hodge, a resident of the city of Southfield. “This district is going to hell in a hand basket.”

Her supporters referred to Geltner as “only human” and stated that she made a mistake in her rash decision to resign and pleaded for her to reconsider.

The opposing side voiced that Geltner is an adult and as an adult, she should have considered the consequences before offering to resign. “With all due respect, you have resigned, and there are consequences to your actions,” said Janna Garrison, a Southfield parent. “You are doing more harm to this district by staying here.”

The meeting was an emotional display by the public, the School Board and Geltner herself.

“I never wanted to resign”, said an emotional Geltner. “But because of reasons which began to take a toll on my health, this is what I felt I had to do.”

Although the back biting conditions of the School Board were allegedly making Geltner “sick,” she stated that she would consider withdrawing her resignation: “If conditions within the Board change, and I am supported rather than gone against, I would return to the Board.”

But the Board voted to accept Geltner’s resignation and promoted Dr. Wanda Cook-Robinson as the interim superintendent. Cook-Robinson previously assisted Geltner.

Geltner’s contributions to the district included instituting a new dress code, faithfully recognizing students for their achievements, and personally assisting many families on a regular basis.

Critics said Geltner failed to touch base on school policies such as “three strikes and you’re out” in response to failing grades, the ending of in-school fights through discipline, and student assistance inside and out of the classroom.

Geltner is the third superintendent Southfield Public Schools has had in as many years. “We need consistency in our administration, said Garrison. “It starts at the top.”