Cleveland board backs appointing school chiefs

CLEVELAND, Tenn. — The Cleveland Board of Education this week joined its county counterpart in support of appointed rather than elected school superintendents.

But on the same day, some Bradley County commissioners voiced support for elected superintendents.

The Tennessee School Boards Association favors appointed superintendents and has asked local school boards to support its position before the Tennessee General Assembly.

City school board members voted to notify the local legislative delegation they want to continue with appointed superintendents.

County commissioners said they wanted more information before voting on their recommendation.

Commissioner Mel Griffith said the commission adopted a resolution in 2004 opposing appointed directors. But with revived state legislative debate, he said the current panel should reaffirm its stance.

But Commissioner Lisa Stanbery said the body needs to avoid a “politically hot potato.” Her motion to turn Dr. Griffith’s resolution over to the Education Committee passed, 11-3.

Commissioner Jeff Yarber said he believes the state legislation will allow a local option.

“I have no problem at all with it being optional,” Dr. Griffith said. “I don’t have any interest in how Nashville or Shelby County select their superintendent. I am just interested in the local situation.”

Ms. Stanbery asked, what about qualifications to be superintendent?

“I think that’s a matter better left to the legislature,” Dr. Griffith said.

Commissioner Ben Atchley raised concerns about who would choose the local selection option, the commission or the voters. He said it should be the voters.

“I don’t think this body ought to choose,” Mr. Atchley said.

County school board member Terry McGuire attended the commission meeting and said superintendent selection “is always a hotbed issue.”

“All I ask of you all is to at least hear our side of it,” he said.