Bill calls for appointed Elmore County superintendent
WETUMPKA - Elmore County schools will have an appointed superintendent in the future if a bill in the Legislature passes.
The bill gives the board of education the power to appoint the schools chief after current Superintendent Richard Dennis’ term expires. The post now is an elected position, and Dennis is in his second term.
The change is needed for the future, said board president Michael Morgan. The seven-member board passed the resolution calling for an appointed superintendent last year. Any change requires legislative action.
“We are only one of two states that still have elected superintendents, with Florida being the other one,” Morgan said. “Most school systems in the state have appointed superintendents, and our neighbors have recently gone to appointed superintendents.
“An appointed superintendent allows us to pick from the most qualified candidates. There are several qualified people who could serve, but for whatever reason don’t want to run.”
Ethan Moore of Elmore County doesn’t like the move.
“It’s taking away my vote,” he said.
Morgan said he understands that position.
“The public will still have a say because they elect the board members,” he said. “I could argue that this actually strengthens the vote of the residents. You can have more influence in a district race than a county-wide race. I told the board when we were considering this, that it wouldn’t make their jobs any easier. We have to be more accountable and more responsible.”
Dennis said he is likely to apply for the position.
“I have a very good board, a working board,” he said. “We have a good relationship. This is not something where the board is trying to get rid of me. So I would take full advantage of the opportunity available to me.”
The bill, as written, reads that the current superintendent would be considered for the job without having to go through any interview process. The majority of the board would still have to vote for Dennis.
Elmore County schools employ about 1,300 and have an enrollment of about 1,200.
Contact Montgomery Advertiser reporter Marty Roney at mroney@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: Bill calls for appointed Elmore superintendent
