By Shannon McFarlin WENK/WTPR News Director
Paris, Tenn.—By a unanimous vote, the Henry Co. Schools Board of Education voted at a special meeting Thursday morning to offer the position of new Director of Schools to Dr. Leah Watkins.
A Henry Co. native, Dr. Watkins presently is the Obion County Director of Schools and comes to the local position with a wealth of experience.
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.
After the meeting, Dr. Watkins told WENK/WTPR, “I am honored to have the opportunity to serve my home community. Additionally, I am honored to work alongside the Henry County Board, the administrators, teachers, staff, and community of Henry County!”
Dr. Watkins was selected from four other finalists for the position: 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.
Under the direction of Board President Jill Coker, at the outset of the meeting, each board member was given a ballot on which they wrote their top two picks, which were then read aloud. The top picks for Rod Frey, Jim McCampbell and Tom Beasley were Leah Watkins and Felicia Bates. Both Josh Frey and Jill Coker’s top picks were Leah Watkins and Shane Paschall. The balloting showed five top picks for Watkins, three for Bates and two for Paschall.
Coker said, “We’re fortunate to have these great candidates. Some were talking about wanting to move here and one even said they wanted to retire here. They all brought something positive to the table.”
The motion to offer the job subject to successful negotiation of the contract to Dr. Watkins came from Beasley. A special meeting was set for 5 p.m. May 30 to discuss the contract.
Beasley noted, “Both Leah and Felicia are outstanding candidates and strong candidates. But we couldn’t overlook the experience” that Watkins has gained over the years. “That was the major difference between the two top candidates.”
Beasley also thanked Coker and the other members for a positive interview experience. “I know we had some turbulence a few months ago”, but Beasley noted the board worked well together during the process. Rod Frey agreed, noting, “I want to thank the whole board for coming together. We’re on the right track now and I appreciate that.”
Dr. Watkins will replace Dr. Brian Norton, who earlier this year announced his pending resignation.
A public Meet & Greet session was held last night with all of the candidates and community members.
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