School Board appoints interim trustee

Norman Haughness was unanimously appointed to the Tehachapi Unified Schools District’s Board of Trustees at the board’s regular meeting on Tuesday, June 24. Mr. Haughness has had a long career in education including authoring several books on educational theory and processes. He will fill the Area 3, Seat F vacancy created by the recent resignation of Naylan Bender.

The Board voted in May to fill the vacancy for the remainder of Bender’s term by provisional appointment rather than hold an expensive election. Appointment procedures included posting the position in the newspaper for three weeks with applications accepted until June 8. Five applications were received with three residing in the designated area. One of the three could not attend the interviews and the remaining two candidates were interviewed in open session on June 23 and a decision made at that time.

During the interview session, each candidate was asked a series of questions. Some of the questions included were: What is the purpose of public schools and the role of the trustee in fulfilling that purpose? What strengths would you bring to the board and what would you do to be more effective as a board member? Describe a good board meeting and what are its objectives? Describe your response to a parent who approaches you in a grocery store for support on a “hot” issue. What do you know about Common Core? Both candidates answered the questions to the best of their ability and knowledge.

Following the interviews, the board deliberated and found that Mr. Haughness best answered the questions. President, Mary Graham added that Mr. Haughness ”certainly has the interest of the community at heart.”

Congratulations, Trustee Haughness.