Carla Ranger reinstated by Dallas County Community College District

by Staff of Dallas Weekly

Dallas Independent School District board trustee Carla Ranger and Dallas County Community College District Chancellor Dr. Wright Lassiter are currently working out terms that would bring her back to a high-level position at DCCCD, where Ranger had worked and served for over 20 years.

"This should be a win-win for everybody, for us, Mrs. Ranger and the community," Dr. Lassiter said after the DCCCD June 2 board meeting. "We've demonstrated to the community that we are a fair and honorable organization."

The deliberations between Lassiter and Ranger represent a total reversal of actions taken two weeks ago, when Ranger was informed that her Director of Education Partnerships job was eliminated and that her contract would not be renewed. Several community leaders expressed outrage, feeling that Ranger's May 18 termination was directly linked to bold and strong actions she had taken on many controversial issues as a DISD trustee.

"Mrs. Ranger and I have met and I have informed her that her contract would not be terminated, that she should receive a new contract effective September 1," Chancellor Lassiter confirmed after the board meeting, where several citizens expressed both their concerns about Ranger's previous termination and gratitude to Lassiter for getting the matter resolved. "There would be no change in her compensation or in the band of the position she's in."

Lassiter further stated. "She will be moved to a different position of where she will report to me. She'll be a special project coordinator with me. We have yet to work out the final details."

Ranger was not present at the DCCCD meeting but later confirmed to The Dallas Weekly that details are still being worked out with Dr. Lassiter on her potential new position.

After an emergency community meeting at St. Luke's United Methodist Church on May 23, other more private meetings followed, including one between community organizer Joyce Foreman, St. Luke Senior Pastor Tyrone Gordon, Lassiter, DCCCD board member Charletta Compton and others.

"The recent non-renewal of her contract provoked serious concerns in our community.

The reception within our community was that it was politically motivated and directed personally at Mrs. Ranger for her outspokenness and stand on many controversial issues," Gordon said, as one of five citizens speaking during the citizens' forum phase of the DCCCD board meeting. About the private meeting Gordon stated: "I think our coming together was productive and insightful. We are glad that a move is being made to right, what many of us perceived to be, an injustice and a wrong and defusing what could have easily grown into a unpleasant situation."

Gordon further thanked and commended Lassiter for his contributions in bringing a resolve to the matter.

"At a time of the day when those who sit in those kinds of position could have ignored the cries of concern, I'm appreciative of Dr. Lassiter for the open door and having a listening ear," Gordon said.

Foreman also thanked Lassiter at the board meeting stating: "We had deep concerns about what we thought took place. Thank you for hearing the concerns of the community and trying to find a way to right the wrong. It's extremely important to us that people listen to what the community has to say. That's not always the case."

Dillie Johnson and Alpha Thomas also spoke, commending Ranger's stature in the community. Johnson said that Ranger "has proven herself to be virtuous, valiant and visionary in her leadership in all venues." Thomas called her a role model and a "voice for the voiceless."

DCCCD Board Chair Jerry Prater said: "I hope that you can see by the actions of our chancellor that we were - and are - very sincere in analyzing this situation and causing justice to be done."

Dallas NAACP president Juanita Wallace told the board in regards to Ranger's new status:" I'm sure that both Dr. Lassiter and Carla, both professionals, as well as both educators, can work out the details." She also thanked Lassiter for "bringing justice to an injustice situation. With foresight and quick action justice has been prevailed."