The County School Board is set to vote next Thursday night on picking a search firm to choose a new school superintendent.
First, there will be more discussion at a work session next Tuesday.
On Thursday night, several board members urged going ahead and making a choice. The panel voted 5-4 recently to hold up while discussing further the type of leader the board will be trying to find.
Board Chairman Steve Highlander, who was among those voting earlier to delay, said Thursday he is ready to move forward. He said, "I'm ready to call for a vote on a search firm."
Board member Greg Martin said, "I was ready to vote last month. I think we need to move forward and make a decision. We need to get moving."
He asked that staff check with the three search firm finalists to see if they are still willing to take the job. He said, "I think we somewhat insulted them. We fumbled the ball."
Another board member, David Testerman, said, "I'm ready to cast a vote."
He said he wanted to include teachers and the central office in the selection process. Kathy Lennon said public input is necessary.
Several board members, including Tiffanie Robinson and Joe Wingate, said they wanted to vote on the three finalists "in descending order." Mr. Wingate said there should be "integrity" in the process by all rating the three firms. But Mr. Testerman did not go along, saying he is just going to vote for his favorite. Dr. Martin said that meant he would too.
Chairman Highlander interjected at this point, "We're acting like children."
Ms. Robinson said she wants to find a superintendent who has turned around a similar-size school system with similar problems.
Dr. Martin called for "a change agent and an inspiring leader. More than just shaking hands and waving at people in the schools, but doing the heavy lifting."
Rhonda Thurman said there is no guarantee that the new leader will work out. She said, "All that glitters is not gold."
She said the Nashville School Board went through the process three times, then finally made a selection. She said after two months "they are ready to get rid of him."
Ms. Thurman said she wants someone "who loves the kids," treats teachers well and can develop a strong curriculum.
Mr. Testerman said there will be some lingering problems that the person chosen will not be able to fix.
On the other hand, he said there are a number of pluses and top schools and principals that don't need fixing.