By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
The Bowling Board of Education elected officers for the new year Wednesday evening – with some controversy.
The board unanimously elected Jill Carr as president. The role of vice president was filled by Ryan Myers, but only after a fellow board member expressed her disappointment at being passed over for the position.
Tracy Hovest explained that historically the school board filled the seat of vice president based on longevity on the board. She was due for the vice president position, and was approached about taking the leadership role.
“I’m not really sure what happened,” Hovest said. “I am next in line.”
Hovest said she received a call over the weekend that Myers would be nominated for the vice president role, so she was not blindsided at the meeting. But that did not soften the blow.
“I was not OK being jumped over for the position,” she said, noting that she had already taken steps to prepare herself for a leadership role. “I feel like I’m being slighted.”
Hovest made it clear that her “no” vote was not a reflection on Myers’ ability to hold the post.
“My ‘no’ vote is not against Ryan, because I know Ryan will be a great vice president – when it’s his turn,” she said.
“It’s not his fault. I know it’s made him uncomfortable,” she said.
Hovest said the board’s action to bypass an unwritten rule about leadership roles shows a lack of respect for her. “It’s denying me the opportunity to help lead,” she said. “This isn’t about my integrity.”
Hovest said she believes the snub is punishment for her “not falling in line” with the board on all decisions.
Being passed over for the position will not change her conduct as a board member, she said.
“I’ll still ask questions,” she said. “I’m a voice for some parents and some teachers. I was elected to be that voice.”
And most importantly, “I’m here for the kids,” Hovest said. “At the end of the day, that is what really matters.”
“What you don’t realize is that in trying to bury me, I’m a seed and I will bloom,” she said.
Carr said some of Hovest’s description of the events leading up to the board officer elections was inaccurate. But Carr said she would discuss the matter privately with Hovest.
