An active January 16 meeting by the Board of Education has led to a litany of alterations in leadership.
Last month in their December meeting, the Washington County Board of Education accepted the resignation of District 4 representative Melvin Williams.
He cited health concerns as his reason of resignation.
Williams was elected to the Board of Education District 4 seat in May of 2022 when receiving nearly 73 percent of the vote from citizens within his District. He defeated Mary Hodges and Nathan Hodges.
To fill the newly opened position, the Board nominated and appointed Rodney K. Walker to fill the remainder of Williams’ unexpired term as District 4 representative.
Melvin Williams is the second Board of Education member to vacate their post in the past two months.
District 2 representative Kristi Jenkins resigned from the Board in November, citing relocation outside of her District.
Jenkins was replaced by Zach Webb, who was appointed by the Board during their December 5 meeting.
With the replacement of the Williams as the District 4 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: Rodney Walker
“We welcome Mr. Walker to the Board and look forward to serving with him,” Robert Blocker, Chairman of the Washington County Board of Education.
Following changes to Board leadership, a trio of promotions within the High School and District Office were announced at yesterday’s January Board meeting.
As previously reported by WACO 100, Deputy Superintendent Sandra McMaster is currently serving the District as Interim Superintendent through the absence of Superintendent Vickie Harden.
Last month, Harden was granted a leave of absence by the Board as she recovers from a recent medical issue.
“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.”
Harden is serving the school district in an advisory capacity through her medical recovery.
Yesterday, Interim Superintendent McMaster stated that Washington County High School Principal Timothy May would be vacating his role at the high school to assume the position of Assistant Superintendent for the school district.
A graduate of Washington County Public Schools, May has spent 19 of his 22 years working in education with the Washington County School District. Prior to serving as high school principal, he was Principal of T.J. Elder Middle School, CTAE Director at the High School, and a math, science, and social studies teacher.
With May vacating the Principal position, Assistant Principal Jamaal Wilcher has been promoted to the role of Washington County High School Principal.
Also a graduate of Washington County, he has spent his entire working career in education with WACO Public Schools. In 2012, Wilcher began as a Music & Band Teacher at Ridge Road Elementary School. He assumed the role of Director of Bands at the High School in 2018 and started as an Assistant Principal in 2022.
Outside of the school walls, Wilcher serves as Senior Pastor of the Moses Missionary Baptist Church.
To fill the opened Assistant Principal position, Amy Vickers will pull double-duty.
Vickers is currently the Director of Federal Programs, School Improvement, and CTAE for the School District. Throughout a 23-year career in Washington County, she has also acted as District Testing Coordinator, Due Process Facilitator, School Improvement Specialist, and Science Teacher.
With added Assistant Principal duties, Vickers will provide an increased focus on the CTAE programs and assist in supporting school-wide student performance and achievement.
“As experienced educational leaders, these individuals understand the dedication and vision required to create enriching learning experiences for our students. They remain committed to serving the Washington County School District and are expert at working collaboratively to ensure excellence and success for all students,” said Interim Superintendent Sandra McMaster. “Please join me in congratulating these accomplished leaders on their new roles. I know you will all provide your continued support to them as they serve our students, staff, parents, and community stakeholders.”