Closed door meeting testy; MISD board names interim

By Amanda Duncan
news@wood.cm
Posted 9/25/19

Randy Hancock was unanimously voted as interim superintendent by the Mineola ISD board Tuesday, Sept. 17. He officially began with the district on Monday, Sept. 23.

The board spent two hours in closed session interviewing two candidates, followed by a heated discussion before voting.

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Closed door meeting testy; MISD board names interim

Posted

Randy Hancock was unanimously voted as interim superintendent by the Mineola ISD board Tuesday, Sept. 17. He officially began with the district on Monday, Sept. 23.

The board spent two hours in closed session interviewing two candidates, followed by a heated discussion before voting.

Yelling from behind the closed door could be heard in the lobby after the last interview for interim was conducted. The conversation was on the Career and Technical Education program, which has come under scrutiny since the resignation of Superintendent Kim Tunnell Aug. 22.

Trustee Glen Dossett said that he didn’t care about the students of Yantis, Alba-Golden or Lindale. Those schools have agreed to partner with MISD on a regional CTE hub.

Trustee Jay McGough strongly voiced his opinions, which sounded to be in agreement with Dossett, and an altercation between Trustees Jill Quiambao and Jackie Rodieck erupted. Board President John Abbott regained control of the meeting before opening the door to the four people waiting to go in to the public forum. 

Later, Dossett said, “I’m all for CTE. A regional hub is fine. I’m not opposed to that, but I’m mainly concerned with the CTE for the students of Mineola ISD. That’s my focal point.”

An open workshop regarding the CTE and how to proceed with plans and facilities was scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 24. 

Hancock was one of three interviewed of the 14 applications received for the position of interim superintendent. 

In June 2012, Hancock retired from Royce City ISD after five years serving as superintendent. He was previously employed as superintendent of Maypearl ISD and Howe ISD and had worked in education for 34 years. 

Since retirement, Hancock has served as interim superintendent in three other districts. 

Hancock was the facilitator of a MISD goal-setting workshop in March where he noted that the board establishes goals and the administration achieves them.

Tunnell gave her final resignation and separation agreement on Aug. 22 but will remain as special assistant to Hancock until Jan. 31 or until other employment is secured.

Her annual evaluation had been postponed from February to August and the release of state rankings.