Mayor Sheriel Perkins is recommending Elizabeth "Pann" Powers to replace Debbie Oxnam on the Greenwood School Board.
The city council will vote on the recommendation at its meeting Tuesday. Most associated with the issue speak of the vote as a mere formality.
Oxnam served for a year and a half on the board before her term expired Jan. 1. She has taught in schools in Pontotoc, Tupelo, Nashville, Humble, Texas, and Greenwood from 1974 through 1995. She is the director of Christian programs at St. John's United Methodist Church.
Powers taught at Itawamba Community College and the University of Mississippi in the 1950s. She has served in a variety of community, state and national organization volunteer positions.
The council was supposed to vote at its Jan. 16 meeting but did not due to time constraints, said Ward 2 Councilman John Lee.
Oxnam said she didn't want to "get into any controversy" over the selection.
"It's certainly Mayor Perkins' choice, but I would've appreciated the courtesy of a phone call to let me know I was not going to be reappointed," she said.
Lee said people have to respect Perkins' decision.
"I don't have any objections, because that's her choice," he said.
Powers is well-qualified and will do a good job, he said.
Johnny Jennings, Ward 1 councilman, said he had talked with Perkins previously regarding the appointment. He thinks Oxnam has done an outstanding job.
"I voiced my reason why I didn't think Debbie should be replaced," Jennings said. However, he wants unity.
"I'm going to support the mayor," he said.
He expects the city council vote is just a formality. He is happy the new board member is someone so well-qualified, he said of Powers.
Jennings said he is caught in an awkward place, because he has an extreme amount of confidence in both Oxnam and Powers. He was disappointed that no reason had been given for the change.
"I'm crazy about both of them, but I question the reason about the decision," Jennings said.
Some affiliated with the school board have told Jennings that some think Oxnam is not a "team player," he said.
Jennings said Oxnam is thorough, passionate and demands accountability and some people are irritated by those who are inquisitive.
Ronnie Stevenson, Ward 3 councilman and council vice president, said he had no idea whether the council would confirm the appointment. He would not comment further.
Taylor Dillard, who represents Ward 7, also would not comment.
Perkins has not returned phone calls.
Powers said she was excited about her appointment.
"I am a great admirer of Sheriel Perkins," she said.
Powers said she told Perkins during the mayoral election that she would help her in any way she could.
Powers said she has been in the education field for most of her adult life, so a spot on the board "seemed natural."
"I'm sure that she served well," Powers said of Oxnam. "I suppose this is a time for Sheriel Perkins to make her own appointments, and I'm pleased she chose to nominate me."
