A Neosho R-5 School Board member has sent in her resignation letter to the board’s president.
“I was in on discussions on whether to hire an assistant (superintendent of business and finance), but I was not in on discussions about Jim (Cummins, her son) being that person hired,” said Shirley Cummins, board member. “And when that was decided, he and I had always agreed that – I know that there is no legal requirement, and he and I work really well together – it wouldn’t be the best idea (for me to remain on the board.) So when I understood that (the board) was going to recommend him for the position, I had my resignation ready and gave that to Cindy (Norman).”
On Monday during the regularly scheduled board meeting, board members hired Dr. Jim Cummins as the assistant superintendent of business and finance. Jim replaces Charles Brazeale, who accepted a position with the St. Charles School District, submitted his letter of resignation earlier this year.
“As a mother I am thrilled that Jim and his family will be staying in Neosho. And as an educator, I am excited for the district,” she said. “Jim has a passion for R-5 and the abilities to do great things for our staff and students. I just feel it is in Jim’s best interest that I resign from the board. We had discussed this prior to my running for the board this last time.... that should Jim be employed again by the district, I would resign from the board.”
This is Cummins second term on the school board.
“It has been an honor and privilege to serve on the board,” she said. “I am very thankful to the people that had put me there and my years in education have been fantastic. If I had to do it all over again, I would have done the same.”
Prior to Shirley coming to the school board, she was a high school English teacher for 16 years and then served another 10 years as a high school administrator.
The board of education will meet at noon on Monday at the district’s central office in open session. According to Dr. Richard Page, superintendent of the school district, the meeting is to accept the resignation and to get the announcements out about the position being open.
“Then we will set up another meeting in a week or two weeks to review those applications,” Page said. “All they (candidates for the position will) have to do is submit a letter of interest to the board. And the board will review those letters and hopefully go over those on July 12 and then at the next board meeting, I will hopefully swear in a new board member on July 19.”
Page added the person who is appointed to the position will only hold that seat through the next election in April.
