The new Hamilton County School Board could seek a buyout of the contract of Supt. Jim Scales, sources said.

Newly elected board member David Testerman said he was not yet ready to commit to that motion, but he said, "I'm very concerned about the leadership of the county schools. You can't go anywhere without somebody talking about it.

"Some of the actions that have been taken lately have added to the problem."

Sources said some members of the new board would like to see a local principal elevated to superintendent.

Mr. Testerman said, "I would like to see local leadership and experience in the building itself.

"We need someone who understands the day-to-day operations."

Board member Rhonda Thurman said, "I would be open to a buyout. It depends on how much it will cost. I'm open for discussion on it."

She noted that Dr. Scales' term was due to be up this year, "but, much like the pension, an extension of his contract was shoved through at the last minute."

The school board in June 2008 voted 5-4 to extend the Scales contract from June 2010 to June 2012.

Dr. Scales, who came to Hamilton County from Texas after a national search in which a consultant was involved, is paid $202,274.72 per year.

Mr. Testerman said one motion he definitely plans to make when the new board convenes for the first time on Sept. 16 is to name Everett Fairchild as chairman and Jeffery Wilson as vice chairman.

He said he has already asked to place that motion on the agenda.

Other new board members are Joe Galloway and Mike Evatt.

Also on the board are George Ricks, Linda Mosley and Chip Baker.

In recent school board evaluations, Dr. Scales got an "average" rating.

Several local judges have been critical of Dr. Scales regarding his policies concerning the truancy of students. General Sessions Court Judge Bob Moon said he obtained statistics from the "state report card" two years ago that indicated that Hamilton County had one of the worst truancy rates in the state.

Judge Moon said, "I read in the Chattanoogan.com today where a student had missed 69 days of school. Essentially, nothing has been done except an attempted visit to the home. It is very likely that this student will soon drop out of the classroom and into the courtroom.

"The Grand Jury's most recent complaint about the revolving door of crime is directly related to the revolving door of truancy."