School Board Picks Hinojosa

The Cobb County Board of Education confirmed tonight that Dallas Independent School District Superintendent Michael Hinojosa will serve as the new superintendent for the district when Fred Sanderson retires.

Board member Lynnda Crowder-Eagle motioned for the appointment of Hinojosa, who was the sole finalist for the superintendent's job. 

The motion passed 7-0 at tonight's meeting after each board member took a few moments to praise Hinojosa, with the exception of David Banks, who said nothing.

Chairwoman Alison Bartlett: He has the experience to lead our schools. He’s an innovative leader with a record of success.

David Morgan: "I think he will be a great leader for our school district," especially in areas with a large disparity in academic achievement.

Crowder-Eagle: I was impressed right away that he recognized the leadership and excellence already in Cobb. "He’s the right leader to take us to the next level."

Kathleen Angelucci: "I was very encouraged by the wonderful background he has. Going to be a true assest to Cobb County."

Tim Stultz: He has excellent experience across several school districts.

Scott Sweeney: "I'm excited to have him on board."

Here's some highlights from the meeting:

8:27 p.m. The school board is adjourned. We'll have much more on the superintendent decision.

8:18 p.m. The declaration of the excess SPLOST funds passes 4-3, with Crowder-Eagle, Banks, Morgan and Sweeney in favor and Bartlett, Stultz and Angelucci against. So the $22.2 million will be available to pay down the millage and keep it at 18.9 mills.

8:17 p.m. Angelucci: "I'm fairly certain that when I voted (in 2003), I did not vote for this."

8:17 p.m. Crowder-Eagle: The funds are available because the district has done a great job of being frugal and spending wisely.

8:16 p.m. Scott Sweeney says the problem with spending the excess on other capital needs is that the board is limited to those projects listed in the referendum passing SPLOST II in 2003.

8:16 p.m. Alison Bartlett says she worries that the board is setting a precedent for an unsustainable budget.

8:16 p.m. Kathleen Angelucci says she still has concerns because there are not actual costs to judge until the projects are closed.

8:15 p.m. Board Attorney Clem Doyle says he supports the legality of this move.

8:14 p.m. Tim Stultz explains the reason for the $22.2 million declaration to offset the millage increase.

8:13 p.m. Lynnda Crowder-Eagle makes the motion for it, and Scott Sweeney seconds it.

8:13 p.m. The discussion of excess SPLOST funds has begun, led by SPLOST chief Doug Shepard.