Current interim director of operations Tiffany Powell will not continue in the role she has held since last summer, when former director of operations David Lawrence was hired as interim director. The business manager oversees operations such as bus operation and maintenance.
Board member Eric Walker, who made the motion to hire Jones, said the move was necessary to “transition leadership to ensure the district’s continued progress and success.” He revealed the board’s plan to have Jones start on June 1, after Powell’s contract expires.
Walker later posted on social media that Powell would “return to his role as Director of Operations.”
He said Jones is a better fit for the district. Mr. Jones previously served as principal of Thurgood Marshall High School, worked in Springfield schools, and served as superintendent of Euclid City Schools from 2018-2019.
“Dr. Jones brings a wealth of knowledge to the district as a former superintendent, a Dayton Public Schools alumnus, current executive director of human resources, and former principal within the district,” Walker said. Ta.
Chrisandra Goodwine, who seconded the motion, said Jones had a wealth of experience and had done a good job leading a human resources department with almost entirely new staff.
“I am confident that his temperament will mesh with our current path and that his support will be invaluable as we work with the superintendent and treasurer to achieve the district’s goals.” ,” Goodwine said.
The two board members who abstained from voting for Jones, Executive Vice President Karen Wick Gagnet and Jocelyn Lynard, said they had heard nothing about the change until Walker made the nomination around 11 p.m. Tuesday. He said no. This was right after the board had finished its executive meeting. Board meetings typically discuss matters such as personnel changes privately and legally.
Wick Gagnet also said the board had not discussed the change with Powell in advance.
“I apologize for not having thought enough to tell you about this board before I brought it to this audience,” Wick Gagnet said.
The board briefly held a second board meeting to discuss the changes, but Wick-Gagnet and Rynard remained dissatisfied with the lack of prior discussion.
“I want the public to know that my vote tonight is not a reflection of any individual’s ability,” Rynard said. “My vote tonight reflects how this board has conducted this business.”
