The Clinton City Schools Board of Education has named Dr. Linda Brunson to fill the seat left vacant with the recent passing of E.R. Mason.
After seeking input and interest from the community, the board received five letters of interest and asked those five candidates to speak before the board Monday afternoon and explain how they would best serve Clinton City Schools and its students.
Brunson joined four others, including Roscoe Emanuel Jr., Perry Gillespie, Regina Lucious and Dr. Oscar Rodriguez, who showed interest in the vacant board seat. Following the candidate presentations, board members voted 3-2 to appoint Brunson.
“As we began to review the letters we received, we knew it wouldn’t be an easy task,” board chairwoman Carol Worley said at the opening of Monday’s meeting.
Board members Worley, Randy Barefoot and Mike Lanier voted in favor of Brunson, who posses a great deal of educational background. The board had previously expressed their desire to have someone on the board with prior knowledge in the education field.
Georgina Zeng and Jason Walters, who both said following Monday’s meeting and vote that all candidates were a great option, voted in favor of Rodriguez citing their desire to bring more diversity to the board.
Brunson will serve the unexpired term of Mason through 2020.
During Brunson’s presentation to the board, she talked about her extensive knowledge and experience with education, and most particularly Clinton City Schools.
During her tenure with Clinton City Schools, Brunson served as a teacher assistant, a teacher, assistant principal, principal, central office personnel, assistant and associate superintendent and instructional coach. She currently serves as a teaching associate profession for East Carolina University and as university supervisor for teacher interns at the University of North Carolina in Wilmington.
As a graduate of Clinton High School, Brunson said she always wanted to return to the system and work to made a difference in the lives of as many students as possible.
“I am a visionary,” Brunson stated. “I look at what things can become and not what they are.”
As part of the board-conducted survey, the community expressed their desire to have someone on the board with previous public education experience and the knowledge and ability to implement educational policies that are best for Clinton City Schools.
Most responders of the survey indicated the new board member should have children who have attended or currently attend Clinton City Schools. Brunson’s son also graduated from Clinton High School.
Listed as other important points that the CCS Board of Education should consider among applicants were someone who is truly concerned about the education of all students; focus on students, public education; experience in education, representative that puts student success as the main priority; previous experience in the education system; and someone with school knowledge and understanding of what needs to be accomplished for students and employees.
Following Tuesday’s vote, Brunson said she was looking forward to serving on the board.
“I am excited about the new opportunity that awaits me,” Brunson noted. “I will give more than 100 percent. Hopefully we, as a board, will work collaboratively to do what is best for our kids.”