Southeast Delco board approves contract extension at special meeting after divided roll-call vote

The Southeast Delco School District Board of School Directors approved Old Business Item 1, a contract-related measure, at a Nov. 13 special business meeting after a roll-call vote that split the board.

Board President Miss Harris Johnson opened the meeting and asked the clerk to call the roll before the board moved to Old Business Item 1. A board member moved and another seconded the motion to consider the item; the board then conducted a roll-call vote.

Missus McGowan, a board member, opposed the motion, saying, “As we are a small district, we don't need 2 superintendents. This has nothing to do with anyone's qualifications or anything about the person. I'm voting no.” Another board member cited solicitor advice and said she would vote no because of that legal guidance. Board President Miss Harris Johnson said the special meeting was called at the request of a board member, that the majority supported holding the session, and that the solicitor had sent explanatory emails to members.

The roll-call vote on Old Business Item 1 recorded the following votes: Mister Fowler — yes; Missus McGowan — no; Miss Womack — yes; Miss Harris Johnson — yes; Missus Barley — no; Miss Perry — no; Mister Lafferty — abstain; Miss Woodfolk — yes; Miss Monroe Whitsett — yes. The motion passed with five votes in favor, three opposed, and one abstention.

President Harris Johnson noted the contract had been considered at the prior meeting and that the solicitor had reviewed the language, saying the board had effectively voted on the item twice with the same result. There were no public comments. The president announced upcoming meetings, including the regular school board business meeting on Nov. 20 at 7 p.m. and a reorganization meeting on Dec. 1 at 6 p.m., then adjourned the special meeting.

The board did not state specific next steps for implementing the approved contract during the meeting.