New Birmingham Board of Ed, adjourns without president

Birmingham, Ala.—-The first order of business for the newly sworn in Birmingham Board of Education members - the election of a new president.  Four rounds of votes were taken before the meeting was ended without a new one.

After the swearing-in of new Birmingham Board of Education members, it was time for the first meeting and the vote for a new president.

Nominated for Board President, Phyllis Wyne said, “It is the vote that didn’t happen.“

For the first time, in the elected board’s history, the vote for president had to be delayed.  Nominated first, WJ Maye, Virginia Volker and Wyne.  Both Wyne and Maye have been president.  It was narrowed down to two candidates, Volker and Wyne.  Three rounds of votes for the two candidates included a ten minute recess.  Each time, Volker received four votes, Wyne, three.  Maye couldn’t stay for the meeting, and former president April Williams, who nominated Maye, was the lone holdout.  Here’s why…

Former Board President, April Williams said, “I think whomever is ultimately chosen as the president of the board would need to be a leader that will need to be able to bring the board together.”

Volker intially said she was speechless about today’s votes.  As to whether she can bring the board together?

Nominated for president Virginia Volker said, “I can do that.  I seem to do that in all arenas.  I don’t know why I couldn’t here.“

At least, Volker and Williams believe the vote can be resolved and even Wyne, the first elected president, offered a compromise.

Wyne said, “And if we can come up with someone that we all can support, then that’s fine, it doesn’t have to be me.“

The meeting was adjourned without a president.  Interim Superintendent Barbara Allen, also acting as president, will call a special meeting next week for a new vote.