Last night, the Knox County School Board held the first meeting with 2.5 of the 3.5 new members. Patti Bounds, the new member from District Seven wasn’t there.
The meeting had better drama than a pilot episode of a third rate sitcom. First, the new .5 member John Fugate nominated former teacher Mike McMillan for Chair. Caren Karson nominated Lynn Fugate. Fugate gave a statement about how she believes that she has been painted as a divisive person and she simply wants to work for what’s best for children and the school district, she declined the nomination. Karson then nominated Doug Harris. The vote tied.
Each candidate was given an opportunity to explain their Vision for leading the board. After much stuttering and stammering basically he ants to reduce student testing and teacher evaluations. Harris spoke to unifying the board not through group agreement but when necessary through a respectful agree to disagree.
No votes were changed and after much discussion, the board decided to postpone the vote until the October 1 board meeting. Leaving Board chair Lynn Fugate until the board reorganizes.
McMillan was desperate to do the reorg sooner rather than later ignoring Amber Rountree (who will have a baby in a few days) with being a first time mom and new baby nurturing being necessary. Nothing like a single man (McMillan) trying to worry about nothing but his own schedule and aspirations.
So, Harris -vs- McMillan for a October 1 show down. More details as time approaches.
