AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – The Richmond County Board of Education takes the next step toward picking its new superintendent.
Monique Braswell held a press conference last Thursday, ahead of the BOE’s called board meeting, to voice her worries and frustrations about the selection process for the new superintendent.
“As a parent, I find it heartbreaking that we are here today still without a resolution. As a board member, I find it unacceptable,” said Monique Braswell, Board Member, Richmond County BOE.
On Monday, after an hour and a half of deliberation in an executive session, the board narrowed down the 35 candidates to six. One to three finalists may be selected.
“It’s definitely a process, and we’re taking our time and taking responsibility seriously,” said Shawnda Stovall, Richmond County BOE President.
Board members say they want to choose the correct candidate who will help the school district become one of the best in Georgia and be the best for the students, faculty, and staff.
“We want to make sure that our students get the best representation and that we end up getting the best teachers and end up getting the best administrative worker. We end up getting something as simple as our bus drivers, who are ultimately important to our school nutrition workers. That all matters when choosing a superintendent,” said Stovall.
For now, they will keep the list of applicants private until the finalists accept their nominations. Still, they want the community to know that they took the feedback from the surveys into consideration.
“We want them to be able to come in to have their interview to be themselves and without any interference. We asked our public what do you want in a superintendent, and we took that into consideration when we name our priorities. If we name someone still in their current job, they could be fired,” said Stovall.
Dr. Malinda Cobb will remain the interim superintendent as the search continues. The board will meet again on July 22nd.
