School Board votes McPherson as the new Director of Fayette County Schools

By: Carolyn Rhea,

Staff Writer

The Fayette County School Board met on Wednesday, July 2 in a special called meeting to select a permanent Director of Schools. School board attorney Tom Minor chaired the meeting.

Attending were all members Warner Speakman, David Reeves, Melanie Mc-Guire, Hal Rounds, Merrel Miller, Myles Wilson, and Becky Trimm.

Public Comments

Myron Massey stated that he recently spoke with the Tennessee Education Association president and looks forward to bringing some unity to the teachers in this area. They committed to some professional development. I hope to bring the voice of the teachers.

   Civil Miller-Watkins said I have sat on this board and hired a superintendent. I hope you choose someone to end this chaos and unease. This board should act as a liaison with the community. Choose well, she said.

Last was Elton Holmes who asked that the new superintendent come up with a policy to give answers to questions from the community. This may cut down on some of the animosity.

Selection

    Mr. Minor gave directions on how to choose the director. There are two finalists, Dr. Don McPherson and Mr. Eddie Keel. Dr. Tameka Lewis withdrew her name from consideration. On July 1 she formally resigned by July 25.

  There is no motion and second required tonight be-fore taking a roll call vote. With eight board members, it requires not less than five votes to be selected. On the first roll call vote, if no one receives five votes, the board members can change their vote. If no one receives five votes, another roll call vote can be requested. Any board member can abstain and then change their vote.

 Minor stated if no one receives the five votes, Mr. Keel will continue as the temporary interim director until a permanent one is selected. If a director is not selected by July 25 the board may if they deem necessary enter into a director’s contract with Mr. Keel.

   The first roll call vote was held. Voting for McPherson were Reeves, Speakman, Trimm, and Miller. Voting for Keel was Rounds. Passing was Wilson and abstaining were Powers and McGuire. McPherson had four, Keel had one and two abstains and one pass.

  Another vote was held. Voting for McPherson were Powers, Reeves, Trimm, Miller, and Speakman. Voting for Keel was Rounds. Abstaining was McGuire and passing was Wilson. McPherson then received five votes and was chosen as the new permanent superintendent.

The next item was if the board wants to allow temporary interim director Keel to stay in place until Dr. McPherson is employed. A motion was made to do this and a roll call vote was held. Voting yes were Rounds, Powers, Reeves, Trimm, Speakman, and Miller. Voting no were McGuire and Wilson. The motion passed and the meeting adjourned.