Trustee moves to reopen superintendent search; board votes to accept applications through the 11th

The Monmouth school board voted unanimously to reopen its search for superintendent after the board’s finalist declined the offer, authorizing staff to accept applications through the 11th and to return options on interim appointments and licensing pathways.

Deborah Silk, joining the meeting via Zoom as a representative of the Monmouth School Board Association and the Tennessee School Boards Association (TSBA), told the board that she had contacted the finalist and that he "turned down the position." Silk described two clear options for the board: offer the job to another finalist or reopen the search for a short period so internal and external candidates can submit letters of interest and resumes. "If you close it on the 11th, we could potentially have a meeting the following Monday and decide," Silk said.

The motion to reopen the search was made by a trustee who said, "I make a motion to open the search for superintendent backup." The motion was seconded and taken to a voice roll-call vote. The chair called each member’s name; Trustee Beiler, Trustee Boster, Trustee Hill, Trustee Manning, the board chair (name read during the vote), the vice chair (name read during the vote) and Trustee Ramsey each answered "Aye." The chair announced, "Motion carries." The board did not record any "No" or abstain votes during the roll call.

Board members asked procedural questions about whether the board could immediately offer the job to another finalist or whether reopening the search would allow internal employees to apply. Silk said internal applicants could apply and described licensing pathways the board might use, including the internship program and a provisional superintendent license; she said the internship pathway generally requires at least a Montana teaching certificate. "I can get that to you for sure next week," she told the board, referring to a briefing on options and timelines.

Under the plan discussed, the board will accept letters of interest and resumes for an expedited period (Silk suggested closing the window on the 11th) and could appoint an interim for approximately one year while completing a longer superintendent search if needed. Board members discussed whether to handle the matter at the board’s regular July meeting (noted in the discussion as the 14th) or to call a special meeting depending on agenda load.

A public-comment period was offered at the start of the meeting; no members of the public spoke on the superintendent item. The board moved to adjourn after completing the item; there was a brief procedural exchange about whether additional motions not on the agenda could be made before the meeting closed.

The board directed staff to return next week with detailed information on internal vs. external candidate options, interim terms, and licensing pathways. The meeting adjourned at about 04:16.