May 30, 2019 at 5:00 PM - Special Called meeting template

Wayne Arnold presented a document for the Board Members:

I have prepared a  statement to read to you tonight that will be given to Janith to enter into the minutes.  I'm beginning this with the obligatory statement from me that there may be a perceived conflict of interest in tonight's vote as Dr. Myracle is my son-in-law.  I also wish at this time, prior to either candidate being interviewed or even in the room, want to advise of an ethical conundrum of our own device. I go into these interviews with the absolute certainty we have here this evening the 2 people most capable of leading this system into the future with the continuity our students, parents, staff and this community need at this critical point.  I consider each of them a worthy candidate and I go into the interviews neutral and with an open mind.  The only real solace I have in this process is that whichever candidate is selected, we as a school system will benefit.  However, due to the actions of this board and its history, I'm not sure I'll know how to vote even if one candidate clearly sticks out, and the same ethical dilemma exists for each of you.  In theory, the candidate selected tonight will not be eligible to be our permanent superintendent because of our vote to not allow it.  And then the statement was made that we could always "change our mind" if the person selected tonight just absolutely knocked our socks off during the short-term period.  Therein lies the conundrum.  All things relatively equal, does one vote for the person they feel is best suited to lead in the short-term and possibly long term with the hope this board goes back on its vote and allows that person to stay on, or should a member's vote go to his second choice, thus allowing the first choice the opportunity to apply later.  These are the ethical questions regarding tonight's vote that really concern me.

The questions asked to both the Short-Term Superintendent are as follows: 

1) Kevin Alexander - Give us an example of when you've changed your mind and taken a different course of action as a result of listening to others?

2)Wayne Arnold - If selected, what changes, if any do you foresee to the current team?

3)Doris Black - How will you, as Superintendent deal with the media?  For example, sometimes, statements can be framed so as to cast negative influences on school board members, different groups and organizations, which tend to depending on the subject, Polarize the community?

4) Jim Campbell - Reflecting on the remarkable progress made by our District the past two years, what are three things that you would do to maintain our momentum?

5) Janice Hampton - What is your vision/mission for the continuing education for our students and staff in our district?

6) James Johnson - There will be several important tasks and/or decisions that will need to be made short term to reopen schools after the summer break.  What would you consider the three most important decisions/tasks that will need to be made or accomplished to open schools successfully?

7) AJ Massey - What is your expectation of the board and Superintendent relationship?  What would you define as their respective roles and responsibilities?

8) Morris Merriweather - If you selected as the short term superintendent, are you committed to serve in that capacity until a long term superintendent is chosen and are you committed to returning to your current JMCSS position at the conclusion of your service as short term superintendent?

9) Shannon Stewart - Please give me one example from your professional life that was an embarrassing mistake?

The Jackson-Madison County School Board Members voted as follow;

Kevin Alexander - Ray Washington

Wayne Arnold - Jared Myracle

Doris Black - Ray Washington

Jim Campbell- Ray Washington

Janice Hampton - Ray Washington

James Johnson  - Ray Washington

AJ Massey - Ray Washington

Morris Merriweather - Ray Washington

Shannon Stewart - Ray Washington