Board appoints John El Simpson to fill District 8 seat

The Clark County Board of Education appointed John El Simpson to fill the District 8 seat on Tuesday, selecting him from three finalists who each made five‑minute presentations.

Board members heard from I O Frimpong, John El Simpson and Miss Waters before opening nominations. Dr. Patricia Joerger nominated Simpson; the board voted and recorded seven votes in favor, giving Simpson the appointment. "I nominate Mr. Simpson," Dr. Joerger said during the nominations portion of the meeting.

Simpson, who described himself as a former systemwide work‑based learning coordinator for the district and an Athens‑area attorney, emphasized community partnerships and career‑technical education during his presentation. "One big thing for me is community partnerships," Simpson said, recounting work placing students in paid internships and drawing on relationships with the University of Georgia and area employers.

The other finalists framed their priorities differently. Candidate I O Frimpong urged the board to "audit the money we put to subscriptions" and raised concerns about classroom technology and literacy gaps; Miss Waters, a former board member, focused on reading proficiency and special‑education issues.

After the vote the board invited Simpson to the dais and staff said they will contact him with onboarding and training information ahead of his first board meeting.

The appointment was made under board policy ABCB, with staff confirming the candidates met eligibility requirements; members noted the seat will still be on the ballot in November and several candidates said they may run in the special election if not chosen by the board.

Simpson told the board he intends to run in the November special election if he is not selected tonight. "Yes, I will," he said when asked if he would run in November.

The board's action fills a short‑term vacancy; Simpson will assume board duties while the seat remains subject to the upcoming special election.