YOUNGSTOWN SCHOOLS Board debates hiring of assistant for top post

Most board members say it's better to have more than one candidate.
By JoANNE VIVIANO
VINDICATOR EDUCATION WRITER
YOUNGSTOWN -- Members of the Youngstown Board of Education will decide next week whether Assistant Superintendent Wendy Webb will be the district's next superintendent.
Webb, who has been assistant since 1998, was the only internal candidate to meet a rigorous list of criteria prepared by a consulting firm after meetings with various school and community groups, said district spokesman M. Mike McNair.
Board members interviewed her Friday. They seek a replacement for Superintendent Benjamin L. McGee, who will retire after this academic year to pursue a doctoral degree.
It is uncertain whether a majority of board members will vote to give Webb the job when they meet Thursday. Some still want to conduct a national search.
Majority wants search
During a board of education candidate interview last month, board vice president Gerri Sullivan said three members of the board were in support of hiring Webb immediately, while four, including Sullivan, wanted to pursue the national search. On Monday she said she still feels the same way and gets a sense that others share her opinion.
"I think the majority of the board is still interested in looking at other candidates and seeing how Wendy's qualifications stand up," she said. "I don't feel the board should be pigeonholed. I don't think it's in the best interest of the district to interview one person and say, 'This is it.'"
Board member Terri O'Connor-Brown said she agrees with a national search but does not want to rule out Webb.
"I want something to compare it to," she said. "I do not want to say, 'OK, stop the search, we've found our person.'"
Board members Jacqueline Taylor, Tracey Winbush and Clarence Boles each said they support hiring Webb.
"She has my support, and I know several of my colleagues support her," Taylor said.
"How the whole vote is at this point, I'm not sure."
Consultant's suggestion
Marvin Edwards, a consultant with the search firm of Hazard, Young, Attea & amp; Associates Ltd. of Glenview, Ill., has suggested that the board consider a motion to appoint Webb. Taylor said she's not sure that will happen.
"I think we have everything we need in Dr. Webb. She exceeds the expectations, she has a vested interest in the community, she loves the community," she added.
"I think it would be unwise to go outside at this time."
Winbush said it is logical to appoint Webb because she has been involved in many of the district's successful programs.
"While we're on a certain momentum ... we need to have completion," Winbush said. "In the middle of things you don't change the ship and turn around.
"With Ms. Webb we can see the momentum continue. ... If we go out of the district, the district is going to lose."
Winbush also suggested that Webb would be hired if she was not a black woman; other board members interviewed did not believe Webb's race or gender was a factor.
Clarence Boles said he's "very excited" about the prospect of Webb serving as superintendent.
"I think it's an idea whose time has come. I do believe in promoting from within," Boles said. "She's eminently qualified. ... She is a strong, strongly optimistic, compassionate individual and this is what the school board needs."
Boles also said selecting Webb and forgoing the search means the district will spend less on consultant fees.
The Hazard Young & amp; Associates search firm is being paid $19,000 plus out-of-pocket expenses for Edwards' services until the search is complete.
Boles said he also believes the current board chose the selection criteria and, thus, should choose a superintendent before the newly elected board takes over.
Four open seats
In today's election, 13 candidates vie for four open seats. O'Connor-Brown and Sullivan seek re-election. Boles and Winbush are not seeking re-election but are instead seeking city council positions.
Winbush agreed that the new board should not be expected to fulfill the obligation of hiring the superintendent.
Board President Lock P. Beachum Sr. declined to comment, saying the board has not had a chance to discuss the interview.
Board member John Maluso could not be reached.
Board members have said that Edwards suggests a new superintendent be hired by March at a salary of no less than $125,000 per year.
McGee makes $102,011; Webb earns $95,517.
viviano@vindy.com