posted March 16, 2006
The Hamilton County School Board voted Thursday afternoon to name Dr. Jim Scales of Texas the new county school superintendent.
The decision is pending a site visit to his home district as well as a background check.
Dr. Scales picked up seven votes on the first ballot. Everett Fairchild and Rhonda Thurman said they would like to see additional candidates.
There will be negotiations with Dr. Scales on his salary. Board member Joe Conner is to handle the negotiations. Mr. Conner said he will be "frugal but fair." He said, "This is not a Dallas market. This is not a Boston market. This is not a New York market." He said the highest paid official in the county is the medical examiner at $175,000.
Finalist Dr. Jim Scales of Texas was in town on Tuesday and Dr. Bruce Harter of Delaware visited on Wednesday.
On the first ballot, Dr. Scales got the votes of Chip Baker, Debbie Colburn, Jeffrey Wilson, Janice Boydston, Marty Puryear, Debra Matthews and Mr. Conner.
Mr. Fairchild asked that the vote for Mr. Scales be unanimous, but Ms. Thurman still voted No on a second vote.
Dr. Scales will be the first black superintendent of the county schools.
Dr. Bruce Harter of Delaware was the other finalist.
The finalists toured schools, had meals with board members, met local leaders and took more questions from the board earlier this week. Dr. Scales was here Tuesday and Dr. Harter on Wednesday.
The winner had to get six votes from the 9-member board.
The current superintendent, Dr. Jesse Register, will remain as a consultant for the coming year under a $150,000 contract.
At the opening of the 3 p.m. meeting at Tyner Academy, board members each gave their assessment of the candidates.
Ms. Thurman said Dr. Scales "is personable, but I do not think he brings to the table what is needed to come together with other elected officials."
Mr. Fairchild said he did not want to discuss any criticisms of the candidates, but he felt a new slate of candidates was needed. He also said he has "concerns about the salary range we are entering."
Mr. Conner said, "It is an easy decision. Either one could serve very well."
Mr. Wilson, saying Dr. Scales was more personable, said, "Chattanooga is on the edge of something great."
Mr. Puryear and Ms. Boydston also praised both candidates. Ms. Boydston said they had different personalities, saying Dr. Harter was more stern.
Ms. Boydston said, "We need to get behind whoever is chosen. We can help make either one of them succeed or we can help them fail."
Ms. Colburn said she was "looking for someone who can wrap their hands around this community and help heal it." She said Dr. Harter was brilliant, but might function better as a consultant for a school system than its leader.
Ms. Matthews said she was impressed with both, but she said Dr. Scales "stood a little above. He has new ideas, new vision and is a risk taker. He can come in and help bridge and build the community."
Chairman Chip Baker said, "I just felt really good about both candidates."
County Commissioner Greg Beck, who attended the board meeting, said, "The School Board made an excellent decision. Dr. Scales is an African-American, but he will be a superintendent for all the people."
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