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Debate on Hiring Power for Safety Coordinator Latest in Board Polarity

June 13th, 2019 by WCBC Radio

The Allegany County Board of Education once again debated the question of whether the superintendent or the elected board should have the power to hire a school safety coordinator.  It’s an issue that split the board at a meeting in April- and resurfaced this week during a session held at Mount Savage School.  Board members Robert Farrell, David Bohn and Wayne Foote have advocated for the board to have final say- while Deb Frank and Tammy Fraley believe the current language in state law calls for the superintendent to have the power over filling such positions. Two positions the school board is looking to fill are school safety and mental health coordinators. At that April meeting, Frank suggested the majority board already has a person in mind for the security chief position- and they are simply trying to change the rules to allow for his hire. Speaking during Tuesday’s meeting, she indicated still believes that to be the case.   Much of the debate centered on technical questions pertaining to certification…

Board attorney Mike Llewellyn says he doesn’t interpret the state law as giving the superintendent hiring authority in this case…

Ultimately the board, by unanimous decision, approved a motion by Frank asking that they seek a declaratory judgment from the state board. Such a judgment is essentially an advisory opinion- and is often used to settle disputes or controversies. Speculation has been that retired state police officer and a onetime candidate for Allegany County Sheriff Jason Merritt is the preferred choice of some of the board members for the security chief position

3 Responses to “Debate on Hiring Power for Safety Coordinator Latest in Board Polarity”

  1. June 13, 2019 at 7:18 am, mac said:

    YAWN!

    Reply

  2. June 13, 2019 at 7:58 am, James said:

    The same guy who lost his gun at MSP more than once? With the same guy who MSP wanted to fire for theft? The Barney Fifes of Allegany County.

    Reply

  3. June 13, 2019 at 12:57 pm, kevin said:

    According to the paper, the decision has been made and Mr. Merritt was not hired. It seems the hired candidate is ex-CIA, and has obtained the requisite certifications in school security. Surprise! It looks like Mr. Cox hit nothing but net on his way out the door.

    Reply

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