Scott identified as top candidate
After weeks of interviews and deliberation, Albany ISD trustees unanimously selected local elementary principal Jonathan Scott as the district’s lone finalist, topping a list of 41 applicants for the post of superintendent.
The action came at the end of a closed session on Monday, Nov. 19, following a series of other closed meetings over the past month, most of them involving lengthy interviews.
According to interim superintendent Doyleen Terrell, the board met with nine of the 39 applicants, calling three back for a second interview.
After working through several items of regular business on Monday night, the trustees were behind closed doors for about hour before re-opening. Robert Montgomery voiced a motion to name Scott as the lone finalist, seconded by Kelly Head. The vote was unanimous.
“We had nine really wonderful candidates,” said board president Betsy Parsons. “Jonathan is the fifth superintendent that I have helped hire, and the process doesn’t get any easier because the candidates just keep getting better.”
Scott is in his fifth year as principal of Nancy Smith Elementary School. He came to Albany from an 11-year stint at Peaster, where he served as elementary principal, secondary assistant principal, and in other administrative roles.
“I’m excited about the new opportunities that are ahead,” said Scott on Tuesday morning. “Albany is a special place and I am blessed to call it home. I will strive to protect the values of our community and seek continued growth in our students’ success as the next superintendent.”
After naming the lone finalist, the board must wait 21 days before entering into a contract with the top candidate, so there was no mention of salary at the Monday night meeting.
The board will convene in special session at 7:30 a.m. Dec. 11 to finalize the agreement, according to Parsons.
“All the board members – and I feel that we have a good representation of the community on the board – entered into this process prayerfully, leaning on divine intervention,” said Parsons. “Even before he moved here, Jonathan loved Albany and persevered until he was able to bring his family here. He’s been preparing for this for a long time and that resonated with all of us.”
Scott’s transition to the superintendent’s position creates a vacancy at the elementary campus. Over the next few weeks, a plan will be developed to fill the vacant position, he said.
The Graford native is married to Albany High School graduate Jenny Wheeler Scott. Their older daughter Rylie is a 2018 Albany graduate. Taylor is a junior.
Junior Chamber Program
Chamber of Commerce manager Mary Beth Jones presented a scholarship opportunity for local students through a community service program, with board members approving Jones’ requests for AISD involvement.
In a separate request, Jones also asked the trustees to consider reinstating a student work program, allowing upper level students in good standing to leave campus early for work instead of sitting in a study hall.
Board members agreed to discuss the matter with campus administrators and consider a change in the current policy.
