Felton-Smith

By Cheyenne Martin, The Messenger

In a 3-2 vote Tuesday night, the Troy City School Board elected Charles Henderson High School Principal Linda Felton-Smith as the new Troy City Schools superintendent.

Felton-Smith will be the first woman, the first CHHS graduate and the first black superintendent. Attempts to reach Felton-Smith for comment were unsuccessful.

Board members Ron Pierce and Roxie Kitchens did not vote for Felton-Smith, but Kitchens moved to pass a resolution to support her in her new role. The board passed it unanimously.

"Since we were not in 100 percent agreement, I feel that we should all come to an agreement to support Dr. Linda Felton-Smith as the new superintendent," Kitchens said.

She said the decision was in the best interest of the school children.

Pierce said he preferred Mickey Schuber Jr.-who was most recently superintendent of Dublin City Schools in Dublin, Ga.-because of his experience as a superintendent, but he will support the board's decision.

"We each have our own opinions," he said. "But I fully support the board's decision. Like I've said from the beginning, all the candidates are excellent candidates. You just make a decision on what you see."

Doug Patterson, who nominated Felton-Smith for the position, told the board she was one of two qualified candidates.

"There was a great deal of deliberation to arrive at this decision," he said. "We had two very good candidates and I feel that Dr. Felton will serve the school system well."

"The city board of education made the right decision," said City Councilman Jose' Henderson. "…and it was not made along racial lines."

"Every parent in the city should support the school system, Dr. Felton and the school board," he said.

Superintendent Hank Jones said he was excited for Felton-Smith and that she will serve the system well. He also mentioned the importance of the fact that she is the first black woman and CHHS graduate to become superintendent.

"That's a big deal and it's an important point for people to look at," he said.

He said Felton-Smith's insight to the system will prove advantageous for the students and the city.

"She certainly understands the needs of Troy and the people of Troy," he said.

Looking back, Pierce said the selection process achieved what it was supposed to.

"The process was well thought out," he said. "We ended up with four candidates who were excellent candidates."

Now the board, namely Pierce and John Parker, will work towards arranging Felton-Smith's contract. The contract will take effect August 1 pending the results of an Alabama superintendent exam.

Felton-Smith will have to attend a course in Montgomery and take classes in the area of school law, school finance and instruction. She will also have to pass an exam in each area.

Another stipulation, which each candidate agreed upon when he or she applied for the position, is that the new superintendent will have to reside in Troy.

In other business, the board approved the transfer of seven students. The next regular board meeting is July 28 at 5:15 p.m. in the board room.