By David Vitrano

L’Observateur

RESERVE—With the impending retirement of St. John Superintendent Courtney Millet’s Executive Secretary Stormy Perry, the board at its last meeting chose to approve the hiring of her replacement, Stacey Waller, but not before a virtual firestorm of controversy.

It started when Board Member Russell Jack inquired about the policy regarding the administration of typing tests to candidates for secretarial positions within the school system. For this particular position, candidates had to be capable of typing 80 error-free words per minute.

Waller, who was the secretary at LaPlace Elementary School before accepting her current position, did not have to retake a typing exam as she already had a satisfactory one on file with the school system. It was unclear, however, when that typing test was taken, and Jack questioned whether Waller still possessed the required typing skills.

Jack went on to say he thought the fact that one of the four applicants for the position was denied an interview after not doing well enough on the typing exam while Waller did not have to retake the test represented a less-than-level playing field, going so far as to suggest job descriptions are tailor-made for certain candidates.

Jack made a substitute motion to table the matter until further information could be gathered, but that motion failed by a vote of four to six.

Jack’s objection was not the only one raised during the discussion. Board Vice President Patrick Sanders said after Waller’s approval, “I’m very disappointed in the process that was used,” referring not to Waller but to the previous choice for the position.

Originally, Christy McTopy, the clerk for the school system’s child nutrition office, was chosen by Superintendent Courtney Millet for the position, which she declined after a brief trial period.

“It was my understanding that if it was someone [already in the central office], we could make the move,” said Millet. According to Millet, her goal was to get someone in the position as quickly as possible in preparation for Perry’s retirement, expected to take effect in either July or August.

A number of board members had a problem with their lack of input in the matter. Perry applied for the job in 1997, and many on the board felt the precedent of advertising the position and evaluating applicants had been set already.

Board Member Russ Wise interjected he was somewhat disturbed by the previous “appointment” because he thought the secretary served the entire board, not just the superintendent. He also suggested an official procedure be drawn up regarding the hiring and testing of applicants for positions within the school system.

When a vote was taken regarding Waller’s hiring, the motion passed by a vote of six yeas, three nays and one abstention. Sanders, Jack and Albert Burl III cast the dissenting votes.

Following the approval, Waller was invited to take the podium. Despite several board members reassuring her the preceding debate was not a reflection on her, she was visibly disturbed, saying, “I really don’t know what to say,” before expressing restrained gratitude and enthusiasm.