Whether it’s because of board policy or having a new chief executive, praise this week goes to the Lincoln County Board of Education for its handling of presidential and vice presidential vacancies in recent weeks. Furthermore, the board seems to be on course to smoothly fill a seat vacancy that arose following a member’s resignation to seek partisan office.
It’s not been all that long since some confusion reigned when the board attempted to fill a board vacancy. When now-Commissioner Thomas Ramey, Jr. vacated his seat on the board in late 2009, his seat was filled by Steve Priestley, who was appointed by a majority of the board. When Phoebe Harless stepped down in early 2010 to compete against Ramey for the Democratic commission nomination, the filling of her seat was not nearly as smooth. Confusion reigned as nominations were offered. Ultimately, the late Rod Baker was appointed to the vacancy.
With Kerry Matthews having stepped down from his seat to run for commission, the board lacked not only a member, but also a president. The quartet first filled the presidency, wisely and unanimously elevating Fred Curry to the position until June 30. A week later, they elected Dr. Donna Martin to serve as vice president until the same date. That vote was also unanimous.
The unanimity itself if pleasing, but The Lincoln News Sentinel is not so naive as to expect every vote to be 4-0 or 5-0. What is more pleasing is that parliamentary procedures are being adhered to by the board. Furthermore, a clear and succinct policy was adhered to by the members. While there is some confusion regarding the timing of vacancies caused by expected resignations of the county clerk and the sheriff, and whether the clerk’s office should appear on the ballot, the board has been firmly in control of their process, steering a course to a possible appointment to replace Matthews today.
We commend Superintendent Patricia Lucas and board members Curry, Martin, Smith and Priestley, for their mature and non-partisan approach at these sensitive times.