43rd State Rep. Paul Sherrell, who represents White, Grundy and parts of Warren Co., says a bill he is sponsoring would give school districts the option to elect their school superintendent, but it wouldn?t make it a requirement. It was introduced in the house and senate this week as HB1954 and SB 1941. The matter was brought by by the school board this week calling it a bad idea. School Board member Bill Zechman said something this important for our students and families should not be decided on a popularity contest. Director of Schools Grant Swallows echoed the sentiments of the board saying when it comes to leading a school system political activity makes it challenging. He went on to say he hopes the General Assembly will see that logic and defeat the bill every time it has been brought forward. Warren Co.’s director of schools position went from elected to appointed in 1992.
Sherrill’s reason for introducing the bill is Grundy Co’s director lives in Memphis and residents don’t like the arrangement.