NC bill would limit Guilford County school board's say in filling vacancies

A new bill would require the Guilford County Board of Education to approve the GOP’s pick to fill a vacant seat. 

The seat opened when former member Pat Tillman became a commissioner in November. Since Tillman is a Republican, it was up to the county GOP to recommend his replacement.

But the school board has repeatedly voted along party lines to reject the conservative appointment, Guilford County Schools teacher Michael Logan. 

Democratic Board Member Alan Sherouse explained his vote against Logan at a board meeting on Feb. 7. 

“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. 

But State Rep. Jon Hardister introduced a bill this month that would require the board to approve Logan. It would clarify the language about the process for filling school board vacancies, as the current statute seems to be in conflict with itself. 

First, it 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.

Hardister’s bill would require the board to approve the committee’s recommendation. He spoke about this during Wednesday's North Carolina House of Representatives session. 

“Hopefully this bill will rectify that situation and remove the ambiguity that apparently is causing potentially a holdup,” he said. “And we have a seat that has had no representation now for about two months. We're hoping this will clear it up.”

The bill passed in the House on Wednesday, and passed for first reading in the Senate on Thursday. It is now in the Committee on Rules and Operations of the Senate.

Amy Diaz covers education for WFDD in partnership with Report For America. You can follow her on Twitter at @amydiaze.