VBHS Principal Named Interim Director

Van Buren County High School Principal Katina Simmons will serve as the system’s interim Director of Schools after a special called meeting Wednesday night.

The board made motions to nominate two candidates, including Simmons and Deputy Director of Schools Denise Wittenburg. Board members voted Simmons on a three to two vote. Board members Benjamin Grissom, Glenece Cole, and Chairman Tim Hodges voted in favor of Simmons while Board Members Davy Shockley and Barry Austin opposed Simmons and in a separate vote, voted in favor of Wittenburg.

The voting appeared tense and board members conducted little discussion about either candidate.

The school board will meet next week to discuss the long-term search for a permanent director. Jared Copeland resigned last week to take a job with the state. He will leave the system next month.