Putnam board approves internal hire for executive construction post after heated debate and reconsideration

The Putnam County School Board approved the appointment of JD Thompson as the district’s executive director of construction management after a contested debate and a subsequent motion to reconsider the initial vote.

Board members spent more than an hour discussing F6, the personnel item recommending Thompson. Miss Wagner said she was "not comfortable, approving this appointment" after reviewing application packets and expressed concerns about whether the district had advertised the position in construction‑industry outlets and whether applicants with more recent field experience had been considered. "Appearances are important," she told the board, citing the district's recent audit scrutiny.

Board member Miss Whitehurst defended the hiring process and the interview committee, saying interviews can reveal strengths not evident on paper. She said the committee included the director of maintenance, the superintendent and an external construction expert and that the committee recommended Thompson based on interviews and his familiarity with Florida statutes and school leadership.

Thompson responded to concerns about his background, saying he had been reviewing district contracts and files and had already raised substantive questions about previously approved guarantees and change orders. "I've been doing this job. I'm loving it," he said, describing a mix of contracting experience, maintained certifications and recent, hands‑on work in the district.

After the first vote the board counsel flagged a possible appearance issue: Thompson is a relative of Board Member Buckles. Buckles offered to withdraw his vote. A motion to reconsider the F6 approval carried, the board held a revote and again approved the appointment; Buckles abstained and one member recorded a no vote. The board recorded the appointment as approved following the revote.

Superintendent and other supporters said the district needs the position filled promptly because of active construction projects and that the hiring committee vetted candidates thoroughly. Critics on the board said they would have preferred a broader recruitment effort and more recent industry experience for the role.

The appointment is subject to the usual probationary and performance review procedures, the board noted.