The Cumberland County Board of Education met last night for their regular monthly session. Absent from the session included board members Rebecca Hamby and Robbie Safdie. Highlights from the meeting included:

SCHOOL BOARD EVALUATION OF DIRECTOR OF SCHOOLS RELEASED

The school board reviewed their evaluation presented by school board attorney Earl Patton for Director of Schools Dr. Ina Maxwell. The eight membered school board answered a variety of questions. Here are some of the statements and answers:

Keeps all board members informed on issues, needs and operation of the school system.

3 board members indicated exceeds expectations

2 board members indicated consistently meets expectations

1 board member indicated usually meets expectations

1 board member indicated seldom meets expectations

1 board member indicated never meets expectations

Supports board policy and actions to the public and staff

4 board members indicated exceeds expectations

2 board members indicated consistently meets expectations

2 board members usually meets expectations

Has a harmonious relationship with the board

4 board members indicated exceeds expectations

2 board members indicated consistently meets expectations

1 board member indicated seldom meets expectations

1 board member indicated never meets expectations

Upon request, provides clear explanations of alternatives for recommendations

3 board members indicated consistently meets expectations

2 board members indicated exceeds expectations

2 board member indicated usually meets expectations

1 board member indicated seldom meets expectations

Works towards creating and maintaining a high degree of understanding and respect between staff and the board

5 board members indicated exceeds expectations

2 board member indicated seldom meets expectations

1 board members indicated consistently meets expectations

Advises the board on need for new or revised policies

3 board members indicated exceeds expectations

3 board members indicated consistently meets expectations

2 board member indicated seldom meets expectations

Refrains from criticism of the board or members of the board

5 board members indicated exceeds expectations

2 board members indicated consistently meets expectations

1 board member indicated usually meets expectations

Exercises good judgement and objectivity in making recommendations to the board

3 board members indicated consistently meets expectations

3 board members indicated exceeds expectations

1 board member indicated seldom meets expectations

1 board member indicated usually meets expectations

Understands and executes the intent of board policy

4 board members indicated exceeds expectations

2 board members indicated consistently meets expectations

1 board member indicated seldom meets expectations

1 board member indicated usually meets expectations

Seeks and accepts constructive criticism of her work

4 board members indicated exceeds expectations

2 board member indicated usually meets expectations

2 board members indicated consistently meets expectations

Keeps board informed of employment, promotion and dismissal of personnel

3 board members indicated exceeds expectations

2 board member indicated seldom meets expectations

2 board members indicated consistently meets expectations

1 board member indicated usually meets expectations

Is an effective spokesperson for the school system

4 board members indicated exceeds expectations

2 board members indicated consistently meets expectations

1 board member indicated usually meets expectations

1 board member indicated seldom meets expectations

Is respected and supported by the community in conducting the operations of the schools

5 board members indicated exceeds expectations

2 board member indicated usually meets expectations

1 board members indicated consistently meets expectations

In several answers, at least one board member indicated seldom meets expectations and that quickly caught the eye of a few other members.

After reviewing the survey, board member Stace Karge said it was apparent there is a board member unhappy with the director. “Dr. Maxwell has done an excellent job with this school system,” said Karge. Her statement was echoed by board members Inman, Parris, Brock and Hale.

“My heart is in my job and I look at this survey results as an opportunity to grow more,” said Dr. Maxwell.

NEW PRINCIPAL FOR NORTH CUMBERLAND ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Thomas Fuhrman was introduced to the board of education last night as the new principal for North Cumberland Elementary School. He replaces Dr. Jennifer Magnusson who stepped down to accepted a position with the state department of education.

HAMBY AND FRANKLIN HONORED BY SCHOOL BOARD

The school board presented a plaque to Kathy Hamby with the Cumberland County School Nutrition Program for the hard work done in the “No Kid Hungry” program

The board also honored long time school system employee Jane Franklin who is retiring.