The Cumberland County Board of Education met electronically for a work session followed by a brief special called meeting yesterday regarding interviews for a new director of schools.

The board approved the interviews of four local candidates Saturday, May 9, 2020 starting at 9 a.m. central time. Each interview will be one hour with a 10 minute break before the next interview is held. The four include Dan Schlafer, Scott Mattox, Darrell Threet and Ina Maxwell.

The board will then hold a special called meeting Monday, May 11, 2020 at 6 p.m. to select a new director of schools.

The contract for current Director of Schools Janet Graham will expire late next month (June 2020).

Teresa Boston, board chairwoman, brought up an issue at the work session last night regarding school board member Shirley Parris and a conflict of interest. Darrell Threet, who is one of the local candidates for director of schools, is the son of Parris.

School Board Attorney Earl Patton told the board Parris is going to have to decide to recuse herself or not when the vote is taken for Threet. Patton referred to a personal interest policy the school system has in place.

School Board member Jim Inman said Parris can declare a conflict of interest but he felt Parris can still take part in the process to select a new director of schools to represent her district.

Boston asked Parris, “The last time you declared a conflict then voted, is that your intention for this time?”

“Yes,” replied Parris.