“Transparency” has been the buzz word at many local meetings lately, and this month’s gathering of the Smith County Board of Education was no different.
During the meeting, board member Marty McCaleb inquired about hiring and firing procedures. His inquiry was prompted by recent staff changes within the basketball programs at both Gordonsville and Smith County High School.
It was brought to the attention of the board that the board has no power to hire and fire personnel within the school system. The Director of Schools makes the final call on personnel changes, after being given a recommendation by school principals and Central Office staff, who interview potential candidates.
For example, when a coach is hired, the principal and athletic director of a particular school conduct interviews and make a recommendation for hire, which then goes before the Director of Schools for approval.
Each month, school board members receive a report of all personnel and staff changes in the “Superintendent Actions” section of their packet.
School Board Attorney Jamie Winkler pointed out that the board could vote for a policy change regarding the way that personnel changes are reported to the board by the Director of Schools.
Earlier in the meeting, Attorney Winkler gave the board a broad overview of procedures for in-school position changes.
After some discussion, the school board decided to have a work session with Attorney Winkler in order better understand the in-school personnel policies and procedures that are set in place, as well as go over the duties of school board members.
This work session will take place at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, April 1, 2019, at the Smith County Board of Education.
During the work session, the board is expected to review policies and procedures and have discussion relating to the role of the board of education, duties of a board member, job vacancies, transfers, and reassignments.
You can watch the full March meeting of the Smith County Board of Education below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxCbw0342og
The next regularly scheduled School Board meeting will take place at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 16, 2019.
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