Altamont Again Looking for Superintendent After Martin Withdraws His Acceptance of Position

The Altamont school district is again looking for a superintendent after Dr. David Martin has withdrawn his acceptance of the position. The withdrawal comes after details about Martin's past as a pro wrestler and an appearance on the Jerry Springer Show came to light.

Altamont School Board President Shelly Kuhns said Monday, "It's debatable whether (the events in Martin's past) would affect the performance of his job. Some people felt it would, while others strongly felt it wouldn't."

Kuhns said Martin worked as a pro wrestler known as "Fabulous Faron Fox" in the Nashville and Memphis, Tennessee areas from 1996 to 2002. In a Nashville Scene article in 1999, it was reported that Martin was hired to appear on the "Springer" show. She said Martin used the proceeds from his wrestling career and the Springer appearance to pay for his books when going to college.

Kuhns said that neither the school board nor the Illinois Association of School Boards can delve into a candidate's personal life, or else it could be used against the board or the Association if a person isn't hired for a position.

Kuhns said for 15 years, Martin "has had an exemplary record." In a statement, Kuhns said Martin said, "43-year-old David realizes that 22-year-old David didn't make the best choices."

Martin was chosen by the Altamont board after working as superintendent for Tennessee School for the Blind and working for the US Department of Defense operating the schools for children of those serving in the military at Ft. Campbell and Ft. Knox in Kentucky.

As to the future, Kuhns said the Altamont board has their annual work weekend scheduled for this Friday and likely Saturday and the selection of a superintendent will head the agenda. She said more than 20 people applied for the post with Martin and the IASB presented seven finalists. She feels there are several good people to consider for the job. 

In the meantime, retired superintendent Jim Littleford is serving as interim superintendent at Altamont.

Kuhns shared that she is stepping down as school board president and that vice president Kerry Wolff will be running Board meetings until after the April 6th school board election, when new officers will be chosen. She said the growth of her business led to her decision to step down from Board leadership, but she plans to remain on the school board.