Walton hears pitch to appoint schools superintendent
By KATIE TAMMEN / Daily News Published: Wednesday, March 5, 2014 at 17:34 PM.
DeFUNIAK SPRINGS — Walton County residents soon might have the opportunity to vote on how the superintendent of schools is selected. During a presentation to the Walton County School Board on Tuesday, the Walton County Taxpayers Association requested the board consider changing the position from elected to appointed.
The shift would have to go before the Walton County Commission and then to voters at the end of Superintendent Carlene Anderson’s four-year term in 2016 before any change takes place. “This item is not really a bad decision,” Anderson said at the beginning of the discussion. “Something to consider.”
Right now, the superintendent doesn’t need to have more than a high school education or even be a resident until after he or she is elected, Anderson said. On the other hand, all district supervisors, principals and assistant principals must have at least a master’s degree.
Taxpayers Association President Don Riley said that fewer than 150 of the 17,000 school districts nationwide have elected superintendents. He said that limits the pool of applicants in small counties like Walton. “This is a public post and the public is entitled to the best candidate available,” Riley said.
Bob Hudson, the association’s executive director, said the group believes the decision should be left to the voters. “I’m sure there will be a lot of discussion on both sides of the issue,” Hudson said.
The board ultimately voted 4 to 1 to prepare a resolution to be voted on later. Gail Smith voted no.
That came after Anderson announcement that this will be her final term. “Twelve years as a superintendent is more than blessed,” Anderson said. “I’ll give my goodbye speech later.”
By KATIE TAMMEN / Daily News Published: Wednesday, March 5, 2014 at 17:34 PM.
DeFUNIAK SPRINGS — Walton County residents soon might have the opportunity to vote on how the superintendent of schools is selected. During a presentation to the Walton County School Board on Tuesday, the Walton County Taxpayers Association requested the board consider changing the position from elected to appointed.
The shift would have to go before the Walton County Commission and then to voters at the end of Superintendent Carlene Anderson’s four-year term in 2016 before any change takes place. “This item is not really a bad decision,” Anderson said at the beginning of the discussion. “Something to consider.”
Right now, the superintendent doesn’t need to have more than a high school education or even be a resident until after he or she is elected, Anderson said. On the other hand, all district supervisors, principals and assistant principals must have at least a master’s degree.
Taxpayers Association President Don Riley said that fewer than 150 of the 17,000 school districts nationwide have elected superintendents. He said that limits the pool of applicants in small counties like Walton. “This is a public post and the public is entitled to the best candidate available,” Riley said.
Bob Hudson, the association’s executive director, said the group believes the decision should be left to the voters. “I’m sure there will be a lot of discussion on both sides of the issue,” Hudson said.
The board ultimately voted 4 to 1 to prepare a resolution to be voted on later. Gail Smith voted no.
That came after Anderson announcement that this will be her final term. “Twelve years as a superintendent is more than blessed,” Anderson said. “I’ll give my goodbye speech later.”
