The board then addressed the naming of the new superintendent. This time, when Chair Agostini asked for a Motion, there was no delay. Vice Chair Scott, who had served as head of the Superintendent Search Committee, moved that the Board employ Dr. Kim Moore as Superintendent. The Motion was seconded by Trustee McFadden, who was returning to her seat as she seconded the motion.
When discussion was called, no trustees spoke. Chair Agostini stated that she would not support the motion, because she wished the process had gone differently and had not been so rushed.
Then Trustee Scott launched into a statement of elation at the choice of Dr. Moore, saying "I am giddy, like a little kid in a candy store...," complimenting Dr. Moore on her credentials and her beauty (yes, beauty) and saying tht Dr. Moore will be a mentor to teachers, administrators, cafeteria workers and bus drivers. Seriously? Then she welcomed Dr. Moore with "big hugs" as the first African American female superintendent of Richland School District Two.
Keep in mind that the board had not yet voted.
Scott's comments were during discussion before the vote. She continued, expressing how excited she was to have Dr. Moore "here, to walk alongside me". Kim Moore, as the Superintendent, is the Board's employee! She is not there to walk alongside Scott or any other trustee. Then Scott invited Moore to come to the microphone and let the community hear from her.
Still, the board has not voted.
Then the board voted 6-1. Motion carried. Then Scott then invited the "first African-American female superintendent" of the District to the microphone.
Was all that really necessary?
Richland Two was either going to have its first black female superintendent or its second black male superintendent. That choice was clear from the finalists - two black women and one black man.
Will Moore have the support of the majority of the board to continue down the road of DEI? Unfortunately, it looks like it from here!
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