Michael Gooch Named Superintendent of Webster County Schools
The Webster County Board of Education voted 3-1 Monday night to appoint Michael Gooch as superintendent of Webster County Schools. The appointment comes after months of division in the county with community members attending meetings to encourage the board to re-new Superintendent Aaron Harrell’s contract. Gooch will take the reins of the school district on July 1, with a contract that spans four years ending June 30, 2030. The vote came following a motion by David Asher to appoint Gooch superintendent and a second by Melony Hobgood.
During the discussion period, board vice-chair Venita Murphy read a prepared statement from board chair Tim McCormick who was unable to attend the meeting. In his comments, McCormick, apologized for being absent, but noted that were he at the meeting “I would be voting ‘no’,” McCormick stated it is his belief that Gooch would “bring more division than unity to the district.” but he did pledge to support and work with the new superintendent. Murphy echoed McCormick’s sentiments saying she must represent her constituents in the Providence district with her vote and she, too, would be voting ‘no.’ Both Murphy ad McCormick expressed their like for Gooch as a person.
In his comments David Asher noted that seven individuals applied for the positioin and two names were sent to the board. “Hands down, Mr. Gooch is the most qualified. I’m happy to have him here.” He also noted that “He is from here” and he know the (school) system. Hobgood and Amanda Coomes concurred with Asher.
When the vote was called Asher, Coomes and Hobgood raised their hands for a ‘yes.’ vote; Murphy cast the dissenting vote.
Gooch, who has 16 years administrative experience, then took the floor with prepared remarks regarding his goals and expectations and his hope for a re-unification of the district and the community. He stressed the importance of “moving forward together.” The new superintendent has spent his last four years as the district’s director of secondary education; prior to that he served as principal at WCMS and also worked at an assistant principal for six years.
Read the complete story in this weeks The Sebree Banner.