Reminder: Norfolk School Board appointments

Just a reminder that there will be a public hearing at the beginning of the June 15th council meeting (agenda pdf) to hear from those who wish to serve on the Norfolk School Board. The terms of three members – Chairman Stephen Tonelson, and members Linda McCluney and Ursula Rhodes – expire at the end of the month. On Tuesday, June 22, council will conduct public interviews of the candidates. That meeting, unlike the one Tuesday, will be held at 7pm.  According to prior reports, council intends to announce the appointments on June 29th.

A fourth seat will also be available, although it does not appear to be a part of this schedule. Board member Billy Cook announced Friday that he will leave his position at the end of the month. Cook, whose 2009 reappointment was in doubt, ran unsuccessfully against Ward 4 council member Paul Riddick. Cook says he is leaving to devote more time to his family, although there are rumors that he has plans to run for another political office.

The School Board is comprised of seven members and is in the process of hiring a new superintendent. That hire, according to an article in Sunday’s Compass, is to take place by June 30. (The public will have an opportunity to meet the finalists this Thursday, June 17, at 7pm at the Norfolk Technical Center, 1330 Military Highway.) The replacement of four members plus a new superintendent could have a tremendous effect on our schools.

Having a great school system is important to me. While I think an elected school board is the best option,  this appointed system is what we have. If you have any interest in serving, please step up at the meeting this Tuesday at 2:30pm.

For the record – I think the change in the council makeup as the result of the May election should dictate that the school board appointments wait until the new council is seated July 1. After all, the new terms won’t start until that date. And unless council has already decided to reappoint the current three members, it appears that there is a tremendous need for some transition time.  Letting the existing members serve another couple of weeks just makes sense to me.