By Shannon McFarlin WENK/WTPR News Director
Paris, Tenn.–A large crowd–including county and city officials and community members–was on hand for Wednesday evening’s ‘Meet & Greet’ reception with the five finalists for the position of Henry Co. Director of Schools.
The reception was held on the eve of the meeting at which the board is expected to make its decision on who will be hired for the position. Interviews with the finalists have been held all this week and the board will hold a special meeting at 11 a.m. Thursday.
The five finalists–Obion County Schools Director Dr. Leah Watkins; Henry Co. Director of Curriculum for K-3 Dr. Felicia Bates; Dr. Benton Co. Schools Career Center Principal Dr. Randy Shannon; Millington Central High School Dr. Donald Durley; and Bradford High School Principal Shane Paschall–introduced themselves to the crowd at the reception.
Several of the finalists have roots and/or connections with Henry Co.
Dr. Shannon discussed his time with the Benton Co. Career Center and said he looked forward to the chance to work in Henry County.
Dr. Durley noted his background as a teacher and principal and noted that he returned to Millington after receiving his doctorate from Arkansas State. “I’m happy to be part of this process,” he said.
Paschall talked about his background as coach and principal and thanked everyone for the opportunity to apply for the position. “I look forward to the opportunity to lead your district to be the best it can be”, he said.
Dr. Watkins noted, “It’s a real tribute to the importance that this community holds this decision that there are so many of you here.” A Henry Co. native, she said her grandparents owned a grocery store at Paris Landing for many years and she worked for several years in the Paris Special Schools District as teacher, principal and instruction supervisor before becoming superintendent at Roane Co. and Obion Co. “I love Henry County and I look forward to great things occurring here.”
Also a Henry Co. native, Dr. Bates noted she has worked for the county schools for 21 years “and I love my school system and teachers. I serve here with good company.”
Board President Jill Coker noted, “We have five wonderful candidates here and the interview process has gone really well.”
The finalists:
–Dr. Leah Watkins of Union City, current Obion County Schools Director. Dr. Watkins previously was Roane Co. Director of Schools. She also previously was principal at Paris Elementary School and the Henry Co. Middle Schools, after which she worked as Instruction Supervisor and Federal Programs Director at Paris Special Schools.
–Dr. Felicia Bates of Whitlock, current Director of Curriculum for K-3 at Henry County Schools.
–Dr. Randy Shannon of Camden, current Principal of the Benton Co. Schools Career and Technical Center. Dr. Shannon also is an attorney with two doctorates.
–Dr. Donald Durley of Millington, Principal at Millington Central High School.
–Shane Paschall of Milan, Bradford High School Principal and Athletic Director. He also is a graduate of Henry County High School and a native of Puryear.
Photo: From left, Dr. Shannon, Dr. Durley, Paschall, Dr. Watkins and Dr. Bates. (Shannon McFarlin photo).
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