Little Rock school board searches for new superintendent

Two Little Rock School Board members proved they aren't going away quietly. Both made their marks at their last board meeting; one tried to get the board to reverse its decision to not renew the superintendent's contract.

"I see where we were, and I've seen where we've come to in such a short time, so I'm going to make a motion that we extend Dr. Watson's contract for two years.”

Michael Daugherty's motion to extend Linda Watson's contract two years got quite a reaction but he ended up withdrawing on her request.

"That motion is out of order."
Daugherty, voted out of office two days ago, pushed for the district to keep Dr. Linda Watson on board as superintendent. The move was quickly opposed by the other board member done after tonight.

Board member Baker Kurrus said, "I'm happy to vote on that, and my vote will be no. I'm not gonna discuss her performance in public, and that's not fair to her, and I wouldn't do that, but I can say this, if you look at the numbers of the previous superintendent, the numbers are no different."

Kurrus decided not to run again. He is the one who put the superintendent issue on tonight's agenda.

"My point in putting it on the agenda is not to recast a vote, but time marches on,” said Kurrus. “We have nine months to pick someone to lead the district, and it's time to get started."

Board members argued about whether to vote.

Charles Armstrong, LRSD Board President, said "At this time, we'll take a break. We'll come back and finish that."

Track: Board President Charles Armstrong went to check on the rules, and when they came back from break Daugherty said, "At the request of Dr. Watson, I withdraw the motion."

Daugherty's replacement, Mills High School principal Mike Nellums, was a no-show at the meeting. Kurrus' replacement, Greg Adams, was here.

Nellums and Kurrus were not sworn in at the meeting because the votes must be certified