Forsyth board appoints candidate to fill vacancy after interviews; term runs to next election

The Forsyth Board of Trustees voted to appoint a candidate to fill a current vacancy after interviewing two applicants and discussing scoring and process.

The interviews and brief deliberations focused on candidates’ experience and vision for the district. Tabitha Coleman, who introduced herself as a foster parent, coach and former paraprofessional, said she is motivated by a desire to make school engaging for children: “I want our kids … to be interested and excited about something at school,” Coleman said during her interview. Another applicant, who said they serve on the city council and have prior board experience, emphasized integrity, listening and continuing recent board priorities.

Board members debated how to compare candidates and whether to use scores from the interview packet. One member announced a numeric score for a candidate discussed during the meeting. Members then moved to appoint a candidate; one board member moved to elect “our new candidate, mister Bell,” and the chair called for the vote. The motion carried, and the board confirmed the appointed seat runs until the next election, at which point the appointee would need to run to retain the seat.

The transcript records members saying a chosen candidate would be seated if present, and that the appointment is for the remainder of the term through the next election cycle. The meeting concluded with the board adjourning after the appointment.

The record of the vote in the transcript is brief and does not unambiguously state the appointed individual’s full name; the discussion references several surnames during deliberations. The board did not note additional policy actions at the same meeting; the immediate next step noted by staff was to notify the chosen candidate and complete seating procedures at the next public meeting if the appointee was present.