A new Board member was appointed and an Interim Superintendent was named during the most recent Washington County Board of Education meeting.
Yesterday, on Thursday, December 5, the Board of Education held a busy meeting as they first seated Zach Webb as the new Board member to represent District 2.
Webb replaces Kristi Jenkins, who resigned from the Board of Education during their most recent meeting in November.
Jenkins had served on the Board since January 2023. She defeated Webb for the District 2 seat during a June 2022 runoff election. The runoff was needed after neither candidate garnered enough votes the previous month when a third candidate was included in the race.
The entire Board of Education was elected in 2022 when no members of the previous Board sought re-election. Four of the five seats saw opposition.
With the replacement of the District 2 representative, the Washington County Board of Education now sees the following members:
Chairperson: Robbie Blocker
District 1: Dr. Al Gray
District 2: Zach Webb
District 3: Leigh Jordan
District 4: Melvin Williams
“We welcome Mr. Webb to the Board and look forward to serving with him,” said Chairman Blocker.
During the transactional meeting, the Board of Education also granted a medical leave of absence to Washington County Public Schools Superintendent Vickie Harden.
Stating that it was in the best interest of the School District, Superintendent Harden requested a leave while she recovers from a recent medical issue.
The Board voted unanimously to grant the leave of absence and appoint Sandra McMaster to the role of Interim Superintendent.
Effective today, on Friday, December 6, McMaster will assume the position of Superintendent of Washington County Public Schools. She is to perform the duties of the job until the return of Harden from her granted leave of absence.
Sandra McMaster is a 20-year employee of the Washington County Board of Education. She has served as Deputy Superintendent in charge of Special Projects, School Finance, and Budgeting since December 2020. Prior to her current role, McMaster was the Director of Finance and Business Operations for the previous 16 years.
“We wish Superintendent Harden the best and hope she has a speedy recovery,” said Chairman Blocker. “For now, we have complete confidence in Mrs. McMaster and know she will have the support and cooperation of our community, employees, students, parents, and stakeholders as she takes on this responsibility.”
According to Blocker, while on her medical leave of absence, Harden will still serve the School District in an advisory capacity to Interim Superintendent McMaster, who will temporarily lead all operations for Washington County Public Schools.
“We express our appreciation to Mrs. Harden and Mrs. McMaster for their leadership,” said Board of Education Chairperson Robbie Blocker.” As the holidays approach, the Board hopes everyone experiences the best of this season. We look forward to a great year of serving you in 2025.”