Press Release 2.7.2020.

Although it has been eleven days since being placed on administrative leave with pay by the interim
superintendent, Mike Owens, Dr. Mark Isley nor I have been provided a reason for this action despite
Mr. Owens clearly stating to the media Dr. Isley was under “investigation”. Specifically, the school
district’s attorney, despite multiple attempts, has been unable to provide any rationale for this
maneuver and appears to be “in the dark” about much of what is transpiring behind the scenes at the
Limestone County District Office. We have attempted to resolve the situation through the proper
channels without further escalation but have been unsuccessful thus far.

Recently, Dr. Isley as Executive Director of Human Resources for the Limestone County School System,
sought clarification and support from the Alabama State Department of Education regarding a teacher
hiring recommendation forthcoming by the interim superintendent. Despite the advice of the State and
Dr. Isley, Mr. Owens proceeded to make the recommendation for hire. We believe Dr. Isley’s being
placed on administrative leave is a retaliatory action by Mr. Owens due to Dr. Isley seeking advice from
the State Department of Education to ensure that the decision to hire a teaching candidate did not
violate state and federal law. Mr. Owens engaged in these practices even after being warned by Dr.
Isley that certain teacher candidates were not qualified to teach the children of Limestone County. I am
attaching the emails between Dr. Isley, his staff, and representatives of the state of Alabama
Department of Education. Dr. Isley refused to participate in these actions as the executive director of
human resources and even refused to sign any paperwork associated with the hiring (known as the
Board Agenda Request Form “BARF”) because the action by Mr. Owens placed the school’s title I funds
in jeopardy.

As further retaliation against Dr. Isley, Mr. Owens can be seen in photographs celebrating his birthday
with staff in Dr. Isley’s office after Dr. Isley was placed on administrative leave. Why would Mr. Owens
allow use of Dr. Isley’s office if he was “under investigation?”

We anticipate that Mr. Owens will try and terminate Dr. Isley without ever providing any reason or
justification. Contrary to what he says, Mr. Owens operates in the shadows and we hope the truth shall
set him free.