Board approves Knott for new term

Knott will continue to serve as superintendent

The Escambia County (Ala.) Board of Education voted approval to keep School Superintendent John Knott for four more years and to expel two students for one year at their Monday, March 9 special meeting.

Following an executive session to discuss the renewal of Knott's contract for four years, a motion was made by board member Danny Benjamin and seconded by board member David Nolan to renew. The motion carried unanimously.

School board attorney Broox Garrett presented the results of Knott's evaluation by school board members.

"I am pleased to report we have 11 categories of evaluation, using a very thorough form, one we have used over the years that has been modified over the years," said Garrett. "I'm very pleased to report the consensus ranking in every category was a 4 or better. An average score of 3 is considered satisfactory. This is one of the highest evaluations that this board has ever had of the superintendent."

Knott's current contract expires June 30, 2020. The new contract is from July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2024.

"I appreciate the board working with me," said Knott. "I've always felt like we try to do things collaboratively. Most of the time we are on the same page, and if we are not, we find a way to meet in the middle. I appreciate the sentiments of the board."

In other business, two students will be expelled following a second executive session where board members discussed good name and character.

The two students, one from Escambia County High School and the other from W.S. Neal High School, face a period of up to one calendar year.

In a motion made to expel both student for one calendar year, by board member Cindy Jackson and seconded by board member Coleman Wallace, the motion carried unanimously.

The board approved recommended changes in personnel as follows: the resignation of Clifford Mathews, teacher at W.S. Neal High School, effective March 2, 2020 and employment of Amber Waters, elementary teacher at Huxford Elementary School, effective March 16, 2020, replacing Cynthia Davis.