Special School District board adds public comment, ratifies officers and interim superintendent

The Board of Directors of the Special School District voted unanimously Aug. 20, 2025, to add a public-comment period to the agenda and to ratify actions taken at an emergency meeting in July, including the election of officers, the installation of Dr. Lewis as interim superintendent and the granting of signature authority to the superintendent.

The actions were taken during a brief, 21-minute meeting that began at 9:08 a.m. and was chaired by Jamar Lanier Ennis, who identified himself as president of the Special School District board and with the Governor's Office of Disability Affairs. Board membership and confirmation timing were the primary substantive issues raised during public comment.

Board members voted unanimously to amend the agenda after Catherine Presley moved to add a public-comment item and Audrey Muslow Hicks seconded. A member of the public, Maria Annis, asked about the status of two seats — identified in the meeting as “Kenny and Sherry” — and whether they remained board members. Ennis told the meeting the two seats are vacant because the nominees “weren't confirmed by the senate in time” and…