Maxwell Named Schools Director in Cumberland

Dr. Ina Maxwell has been named the new director of Cumberland County Schools.

Board Member Stacy Karge voiced support for all four of the finalists before the Board of Education voted Monday.

“I was incredibly impressed with each of their qualifications,” Karge said. “They all have amazing strengths, and I think any one of them would represent our students, faculty, and community with honor and dignity.”

Maxwell is the current Federal Programs Director for Cumberland County Schools. She received seven of nine possible votes from the board.

In addition to Maxwell, finalists included Dan Schlafer, Darrell Threet, and Dr. Scott Maddox. All four finalists were interviewed on Saturday.

Board vice-chairman Jim Inman said the process had been a personal challenge for him.

“This process has been extremely difficult for me,” Inman said. “Right now, all four of these candidates have had several people say how wonderful they are, and I agree. I know all four of them extremely well, and it is tearing me apart to have to tell three of them no.”

The board decided between the four finalists at a special called meeting Monday night. It will meet again next Monday at 5 p.m. for a work session and special called meeting to discuss details for Maxwell’s contract.