The Guilford County Board of Education rejected a GOP appointment to fill a vacant seat for a third time on Tuesday — an issue that may result in a change in legislation.
The District 3 position opened when former school board member Pat Tillman was elected to the Board of Commissioners in November. Tillman is a Republican, so it was up to the county GOP to recommend his replacement. From there, the state law on filling vacancies seems to be in conflict with itself.
First, the statute says that an empty seat is filled by a majority vote of the remaining members. Later, it says the board must appoint the county executive committee’s pick.
During the public comment portion of Tuesday’s meeting, GOP Chairman David Gleeson said he’s working with state legislators to clarify the policy.
“What I can tell you is that we have asked for the statute to be corrected, and the language cleaned up so that there's no misunderstanding, there's no perceived ambiguity, that points to the fact of how a vacancy will be filled,” Gleeson said.
He said the revised statute would make it clear that the board is required to approve the executive committee’s appointment. In this case, that would be the Republican Party’s recommendation of Guilford County Schools teacher Michael Logan, who has now been rejected three times.
Board member Alan Sherouse, who is a Democrat, was one of five members to vote against Logan.
“The majority of those that elected me expect our board members to demonstrate the ability to be collaborative, committed to the common good, and inclusive and supportive of all of our students and teachers regardless of race, sexuality or background,” Sherouse said. “And I know that there are many District 3 Republicans also committed to these values. I believe that Pat Tillman, who held this seat was certainly one.”
He said he would only vote to affirm a nominee who he believes would fit that bill.
The board’s third vote on Logan’s appointment failed 5-2.
Amy Diaz covers education for WFDD in partnership with Report For America. You can follow her on Twitter at @amydiaze.