Interviews for South Choir Director Begin Next Week

Interviews for Ellen Bowen's replacement will begin next week, according to Jon Dean, the assistant superintendent of human resources with .

Bowen--the longtime Choir Director at --is currently and .

She was put on leave near the end of the school year following an encounter with a student whom she caught using a cell phone. The student reported to Principal Matt Outlaw that she struck him in the head with the cell phone.

. The district has asked for parent, student and community invovlement in the interview process in a few of the higher profile positions, including Bowen's, which has drawn impassioned reaction from the community.

Her supporters say her passion is what makes her so successful as the vocal music director while others find her repeated outbursts involving students unacceptable.

Dean planned to make parent selections Wednesday for those who expressed interest in being a part of the interview process, he said. Interviews are to begin next week.

Meanwhile, Bowen will remain paid administrative leave pending the outcome, which has potential to take months if not a year or more due to her tenure status with the district and the rights such status affords Bowen.

The school board has already held two closed meetings related to Bowen's leave. Bowen has elected to have the meetings closed, a right afforded to her as a tenured teacher.

Board President Judy Gafa said this week the board is likely to have another closed meeting in the near future. She did not specify if it was related to Bowen, simply that it is likely to happen.

As of late Wednesday, the Board has scheduled a special meeting for 8 a.m. Friday Aug. 3 to review the candidates the district administration will be recommending for Bowen's position as well as for the Kerby prinicpal and the South Band Director, according to the agenda.