WCC trustee appointment goes awry, board seeks replacement
By Joey Pitchford
Published in News on August 9, 2017 5:50 AM
Chris West
Wayne County Public Schools is seeking applicants for a spot on the Wayne Community College board of trustees, after the board of education voted Monday to open up the position to the public.
The vote came after the board initially appointed board member Chris West to fill the position. After West had been appointed, it came to light that statutes prevent active WCPS board members or employees from serving on the board, forcing West to step down from his position.
Michael Dunsmore, WCPS superintendent, said he was not sure who first brought the statute up, especially because West had to step down having already taken his oath and formally joined the board.
In late May, the board received a written recommendation from then-board of trustees chair Veda McNair, suggesting the board reappoint trustee Terry Jordan. Some board members preferred that option, but Dunsmore said he wanted to see the position opened up to members of the community.
"We can't appoint anyone who directly works for the school system, but we have some very active retirees who do an awful lot for the community and an awful lot for my schools," he said. "I want to make sure we get the community to buy-in here."
Dunsmore said he planned to meet with WCC President Thomas Walker Tuesday afternoon to discuss what Walker is looking for in a board member. Before the meeting, Dunsmore said he was not completely clear on the specific responsibilities of a WCC trustee, and he expected speaking with Walker would clear that up.
Anyone interested in joining the board or making a nomination needs to do so before the school board's September meeting. Dunsmore invited any interested parties to call his secretary at 919-705-6163 to put their names into consideration.
"Just get a hold of me, and I'll compile the names together to bring before the board," he said. "From there, they may decide to do an in-person interview or whatever else they want to do."