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Alumni, parents and students press board for more transparent hiring of E.E. Smith band director
Summary
Speakers at the Cumberland County Board of Education meeting urged a more inclusive and credential-focused hiring process for the E.E. Smith High School band director, citing the program’s five-decade legacy and asking that music educators and stakeholders be involved in candidate evaluation.
Several alumni, parents and current students addressed the board May 13 with concerns about the selection process for a new band director at E.E. Smith High School, one of the district's long‑running marching band programs.
Speakers asked the board to ensure the hiring process honors the program’s legacy and includes music‑education expertise in interviews. Dr. Mary Henson, who identified herself as a 1999 alumna and donor to E.E. Smith, said the program’s history "requires specialized expertise unique to Smith's program" and urged inclusion of "a fellow music educator" in interviews to verify candidates’ skills.
Why it matters: E.E. Smith’s marching program has been cited by speakers as a community institution with decades of alumni involvement. Commenters said the program’s public profile and unique demands mean the district should take additional steps to verify credentials and involve current music staff, parents and alumni in the selection process to protect the program’s legacy.
Speakers’ key concerns: Mary Henson and other alumni argued the new director should have documented music‑education credentials and that former or current program affiliates should participate in selection. Bridal Burton, who identified herself as an alumnus and parent, said the former director was not included in the process and that community members worry the chosen candidate "lacks the proper credentials." Student leader Ashton Burton told the board that student organizations rely on directors who can train leaders and urged that staff affiliated with the organization be included in hiring decisions.
Board response: The remarks were made during the public forum and were taken under advisement; the board did not take immediate action or change the hiring process during the meeting. Speakers urged the board to adopt a more transparent, stakeholder‑involved approach going forward.
