School Director Search Narrows to Three Finalists

Jackson, TN - At a special called school board meeting the members narrowed the search for the next Director of Schools to three finalists.

The board spent about an hour going through their impressions of each of the four candidates.  Board members were free to say whatever they felt or not make a comment.

Here are some of the comments:

Alan Coverstone

David Huss

Verna Patterson

Terance Patterson

In the end members decided to vote and see if there was one candidate that the group felt didn't need to come back.  It would take at least 5 votes not to bring back a candidate for a second interview and it was an option that all four could be asked to return.

However, Obion County Superintendent David Huss received 6 votes as a candidate that didn't need to be asked for a second interview.  Board members cited what they felt was less enthusiasm than other interviewees, some did not like that it seemed he read most of his answers rather than speaking directly to the board, one board member said he was probably a good fit for where he was in Obion County.  Huss did have some support.  He was recognized for his financial expertise, his successes in raising graduation rates at Obion County High School, and the group liked his closing remarks. But in the end others had more support and board members felt were a better fit.

The next step is for specific return appointments to be scheduled for those called back.  Second interviews will begin January 7, 2013