School board leader apologizes for ButtleOpener but won’t quit
FRANKLIN – The chairman of the Williamson County school board said he is sorry but he will not resign his chairmanship despite growing public sentiment, including a request from the board’s now former vice chairman, that he step aside.
Board Chairman Mark Gregory, who was first elected to the board in 2004, said in an interview today that he still has the support of board members and stands by his work as a Williamson County school board member.
“I’m very comfortable in the performance that I’ve had as a school board member,” said Gregory, who represents the 11th District.
RELATED:Questions continue to hound Williamson ed chairman
RELATED:'ButtleOpener' meeting canceled after overwhelming response
Criticisms about Gregory’s leadership have sharpened since he was named chairman by fellow board members earlier this month as parents have focused on Gregory’s role in a 2011 business that created the female-rear-end-shaped novelty bottle opener called the ButtleOpener.
Gregory issued a statement to board members this afternoon apologizing about the situation.
“Several years ago I helped facilitate the production of a novelty product my brother invented and marketed,” Gregory wrote. “The product and my role in the company was the subject of news media stories more than two years ago during my re-election campaign.
“In December 2012 the business dissolved, and at that time I informed the school board that I was no longer involved with the company or its product.
“Recently this matter resurfaced, and I regret the negative distractions and embarrassment it has brought to parents, students, teachers and the board. I understand the concerns some have about this product and the reasons why they find it objectionable. I am sorry and sincerely apologize.”
Though Gregory said he still has the support of the board, more than 800 parents had signed a petition seeking his resignation because of the ButtleOpener.
The outcry about his role with the ButtleOpener prompted fellow board member P.J. Mezera to resign on Monday as the board’s vice chairman.
Mezera, who represents the 3rd District, said in a letter to board members today that he made “repeated requests” for Gregory to rectify the situation and last week asked Gregory to step down or else he would resign as vice chairman.
“Since (Gregory’s) election, there has been a significant number of moms, dads and grandparents with no political ties demanding his resignation as Chairman due to his private business venture,” Mezera wrote in his letter. “His private business, through no wish of his own, has effectively compromised the functionality of his Chairmanship, this Board and to some extent the entire District.”
Earlier today, Gregory also addressed rumors that he owes money to Williamson County Commissioner Brian Beathard.
Gregory said he is in the process of paying off a private loan of about $2,000 to Beathard. Gregory said he borrowed the money from Beathard to overcome some financial hardships. He declined to specify details.
In addition to the money owed to Beathard, Gregory is paying off a $10,000 lien that was placed on his home. Records show the lien came in June from an unpaid credit card debt related to a failed geothermal company Gregory said he owned.
In Gregory’s statement to the board he said, “Now is the time to unify and move forward with the business of this board, which is to provide the very best educational experience possible to the students of Williamson County Schools.”
Beathard could not be reached for comment.
Reach Kevin Walters at 615-771-5472 and on Twitter @thekevinwalters.