By Megan Miller
BIRMINGHAM — The Jefferson County Board of Education met on Tuesday to discuss and select a replacement for board Place 4, replacing the late Dean Taylor.
After narrowing the pool of applicants from 30, board members were able to nominate their selection and then the board would vote on each selection once three candidates had been nominated.
During the first round of nominations, Dr. Martha Boyer, Place 2, nominated Ronnie Dixon, Oscar Mann, vice president and Place 3, nominated Gary Quick, and Board President Jacqueline Smith nominated Jeremy Wright, moving the nomination to close at three candidates.
The board was split two and two on Dixon, one yes vote and three no’s for Quick, and one yes vote and three no’s for Wright.
During this time Superintendent Dr. Craig Pouncey asked that everyone reconsider the business of the board.
“The business of the board has to be carried out, and we need to have a board position filled that enables us to do so,” Pouncey said. “Particularly in this month, when there are so many personnel matters that need to be taken care of. I’m hopeful that we as a board can come together and make a decision.”
During the second attempt at nominations and voting, Boyer and Smith held steady on nominating Dixon and Wright respectively. Wright garnered three no votes and one yes, while Dixon received three yes votes and one no.
Based on totals, Ronnie Dixon was selected to serve in Place 4 as a replacement for Dean Taylor.
“It’s sad we have to make a decision on seat four, but at the same time, the business has to go on,” said Jennifer Parsons, Place 1. “Everything we do we’ll do it with Dean in mind. I think the citizens of Jefferson County will be served well for the remainder of this year and I’m excited we have a complete board.”
For Dixon, this was not his first bout trying to come on with the Jefferson County Board of Education, rather his journey seeking a seat began in October of 2015, when he campaigned for place one.
After raising two daughters and filling in as a substitute bus driver for special needs students in Clay, Dixon has become passionate about the education system, and bettering it for all students. Dixon wants to take particular care promoting the betterment of special education and career technical programs.
“I don’t believe every child should feel like they have to go to college to succeed,” said Dixon. Dixon emphasized that although there’s always a need for neurosurgeons, there will also always be an equal need for those working in technical fields such as welding.
At this time, Dixon said he’d prefer to get his feet wet before naming his top priority serving in Place 4, but he wants to ensure that Clay and Pinson schools get the attention they need and deserve.
“The media has been covering stories about mold in other schools, and I know in Clay and Pinson those are two schools that have been neglected maintenance-wise,” said Dixon. “That’s a priority I think, but that might not be the number one priority.”
Pouncey concluded the meeting by commending Board President Smith on her leadership in fulfilling the vacancy.
“She wanted to make sure there was transparency in this process, and it was very inclusive in that everyone who wanted to apply had the opportunity,” said Pouncey. “She was very diligent in this process.”
Dixon serves as the City Manager of Clay, and also took time to thank Clay Mayor Charles Webster, as well as the Clay City Council for allowing him the time to run for Places 1 and 4 over the last few months.
“They’ve been very supportive in allowing me to do that,” said Dixon.
Dixon is set to be sworn into his position before the next Jefferson County Board of Education meeting, which will take place May 10 at 10 a.m.
One Comment
Patsy Sewell Rogers
Congratulations Ronnie!!