Smith County board postpones director selection, sets final interviews for March 16

The Smith County Board of Education voted to postpone choosing a new director until the full eight-member board can participate, the board’s chair announced at the start of an interview session.

The chair said two members would be absent or participating remotely and that six were present. To ensure “the integrity of the board,” the chair proposed — and the board approved by voice — a revised timeline: a March 9 board meeting to select three finalists, final-round interviews at 5 p.m. on March 16, and a likely appointment on March 17.

Dr. Max made the motion to adopt the schedule and K. Henson seconded it; the chair called for those in favor and the board responded aloud.

The postponement is procedural: the board will continue interviews as scheduled but will not name the finalist until the full membership can vote. The chair said the change was intended to allow all members to participate in the final decision and preserve confidence in the process.

Next steps: the board will meet March 9 to reduce the pool to three candidates, hold final interviews on March 16 at 5 p.m., and return to the boardroom March 17 to select a director.

Meeting documents and any recorded vote tallies were not provided in the session transcript.