N.C. school for deaf director steps down

State administrator leaves amid controversy, planned student protest

Friday, Feb. 29, 2008

By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer

The director of the N.C. School for the Deaf abruptly stepped down Thursday afternoon amid controversy over a protest students had planned at the school earlier this week.


The state announced that Linda Lindsey would be stepping down from the institution's top post while officials from the Office of Education Services were discussing a situation that took place on campus Sunday, said Lori Walston, Education Services spokeswoman.

Walston did not know many details about the planned protest, which apparently never took place, but said school staff met with concerned students Sunday evening. One issue, she said, was complaints about communication with administrators.


Lindsey, who is not fluent in American Sign Language but has taken classes, is aided by an interpreter when she speaks with students, Walston said.

Lindsey, has led the Morganton school since August 2004, and will remain in the position until an interim director takes over April 1, Walston said. She is not leaving the state system, Walston said, and will take a job with Education Services in Raleigh, the same division that oversees the school.


The School for the Deaf, established in 1894, is one of two state institutions for the deaf and hearing impaired and serves day and boarding students ages five to 21.

Before coming to the school, Lindsey worked with the state Department of Health and Human Services in the late 1980s and early 1990s, according to a DHHS press release. Lindsey, who has a master's and a doctorate in education from N.C. State University, worked in education and management of residential services programs for children for several years before coming to the school.

Janet McDaniel, the school's principal, will take over as interim director beginning April 1 while the state launches a national search for a new director, Walston said.

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