LINCOLN -- Lincoln School Board appointed Kenneth Albright to fill a vacancy on the School Board created by the resignation of Lisa Reed.
Reed, who was elected to a five-year term on the School Board in September 2015, resigned because of time constraints in a letter addressed to the board at its June meeting.
Board President Kendra Moore, secretary Tera Thompson and member Oleta Conner Danforth interviewed two candidates interested in the Zone 2 position: Albright and Kris Roy. The interviews were conducted during a special meeting held July 2 at Lincoln High School library. Connie Meyer, vice president, was absent.
Albright was interviewed in person. Roy's interview was by phone because he was at training with Arkansas Air National Guard in Fort Smith.
All three board members were impressed by both candidates, with several making the comment they wished they could appoint both to the School Board.
"It's a good problem to have when the two candidates interviewed for the position were both very qualified and passionate about the success of our school district," Moore said in an email. "After much debate, the board nominated and unanimously selected Mr. Albright. Mr. Albright's prior experience on the city council we believed to be beneficial to service on the board. We're excited to have Mr. Albright join the board and look forward to together continuing the goals of progress for the district."
Albright served on the Lincoln City Council for about two years. He was appointed to fill a vacancy, was then elected to office in 2010, but said he had to resign the position during his term because of work and school commitments.
Albright said he's at a stage now that he has time to serve as a school board member.
A life-long resident of Lincoln, Albright graduated from Lincoln High School, is married and has two sons in the district. He has a bachelor's degree from John Brown University in Siloam Springs.
Albright said he has been in law enforcement with Washington County Sheriff's Office for 20 years and now is a sergeant on day shift supervising the patrol division.
Albright said he has thought about serving on Lincoln School Board and when the Zone 2 position became vacant decided to apply for it.
Albright said he believes his law enforcement background will be beneficial to the Board and school district, though he said it was unfortunate that was the case in these times and circumstances. He also thought his relationships with city officials and law enforcement would help him as a board member.
"I hope to use all of that and bring something good to the district," he said.
Moore asked Albright about having to make hard decisions as a school board member and Albright replied he understands that can happen anytime someone is in a position of authority or supervision. He said he believes in the motto used by the Sheriff's Office: "Do the right thing."
As a board member, Albright said he would advocate more community involvement and would like to see more people come to board meetings with new ideas. He said he wants students to be able to say they are proud they attend Lincoln schools. He also said he wants Lincoln to be able to retain its good teachers and not be a "training ground" for other school districts.
"We're a small town. Let's all work together," Albright said.
Roy, during his interview, told board members he is a Lincoln graduate, has a bachelor's degree in education from the University of Arkansas and is the lead juvenile intake officer for Washington County. He also is a member of Arkansas Air National Guard.
He and his wife have three children, with two attending Lincoln schools.
Roy said he's been involved in public service through juvenile court and the National Guard and values and understands the importance of education.
He noted he has a vested interest in Lincoln schools and said success in the school district equals success for his children and all students in the district.
Lincoln schools have pioneered several initiatives, such as distance learning and technology, and Roy said he believes it is important to change the impression that people outside the community seem to have about Lincoln.
General News on 07/11/2018