The Cherokee County Board of Education has adopted a resolution in support of appointment of superintendents of education has opposed to election of superintendents.
Brian Jennings, chairperson, Cherokee County Board of Education, read the resolution during the Thursday, Jan. 12 meeting of the board. The board initially approved the resolution during one of its December meetings.
The resolution noted that only two states, including Alabama and Florida, still elect local superintendents and that Mississippi successfully enacted statewide legislation in 2016 to require all local superintendents to be appointed.
According to the resolution, only 78 of 15,000 local school superintendents nationally are elected.
The resolution points out that the appointment of a superintendent helps to expand the talent pool to attract qualified candidates to apply for the position.
“The appointment of a superintendent promotes professional qualification, proven experience, leadership skills to guide the selection process,” states the resolution.
“The appointment of a superintendent removes the need for elected superintendents to fund raise and campaign every four years to keep their job,” states the resolution.
“The appointment of a superintendent replaces election-year focus on popular politics for the process to be focused on the most effective chief school officer,” states the resolution.
Thee appointed superintendent is accountable to the board of education and accountable to the standards and goals set by local leaders, the resolution states.
“Now therefore be it resolved that the Cherokee County Board of Education supports legislation requiring the appointment of local school superintendents and encourages that the new selection apply at the expiration of the current superintendent of education or upon any vacancy occurring in office of county superintendent of education before the expiration of his or her current term of office,” reads the resolution.
Board Chairman Jennings said a few words following the recent death of Board Member Derrick Wheeler, which was a shock to the community and to the board.
Wheeler had just begun his term on the board after winning the board seat in the Nov. 8 general election.
“I am sure everyone has noticed that we have an empty chair up here tonight,” said Jennings. “As I eluded in my opening prayer, it has been a tough time for this board dating back to the time that Derrick Wheeler became ill."
Jennings then read a brief statement for those in attendance.
“The Cherokee County Board of Education has suffered a terrible loss,” said Jennings. “Derrick Wheeler was a life-long personal friend of mine and a true friend of Cherokee County. Derrick possessed a deep love for the youth in our county. His many years of coaching our children has had a lasting impact on hundreds of lives.”
“Derrick was prepared to bring that energy and devotion to this board and to the students and employees of our system,” said Jennings.
“Our condolences go out to Derrickӽ紫ý family, his wife, Lea Anne; sons, Nick and Haden, twin daughters, Harper and Harley, parents, Charles and Sara Wheeler, and his sister, Lisa,” said Jennings.
“This board and this county will hold you all in our thoughts and prayers,” said Jennings.
The board met in executive session for two student disciplinary hearings.
The board voted to hold the tribunalӽ紫ý recommendation on one of the hearings and took no action on the other hearing.
In other business, the board:
-Approved minutes from the Dec. 13, 2016 meeting of the board.
-Approved minutes from the Dec. 15, 2016 meeting of the board.
-Received October 2016 Bank Reconciliation, Cash Balance and Financial Report.
-Approved proposed coaching supplement changes.
-Approved out of state travel for Suzannah Yoder and the Sand Rock Chapter of FCCLA to attend the Leadership Conference and Retreat in Nashville, Tennessee. Feb. 24-25, 2017-at no cost to the board.
-Approved a contract with Go Play Therapy Center, LLC for occupational therapy services Jan. 17, 2017 through July 31, 2017.
-Approved professional development
The next meeting of the Cherokee County Board of Education is Tuesday, Jan. 24, beginning at 6 p.m. at the board office.
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