JACKSON – Willis Hare Elementary School will soon welcome a new principal.

Despite some disagreement over a starting date, members of the Northampton County School Board finally agreed that Pamela Chamblee would take up the reigns as the new principal of Willis Hare.

Superintendent Dr. James Pickens recommended Chamblee for the position after the school’s existing principal Teresa Byrum announced she would be resigning to take a position in Pitt County.

Currently, Chamblee serves as principal at Conway Middle School.

To maintain continuity through the close of the 2004-2005 school year, Pickens recommended that Wanda Briggs-Trevino, Assistant Principal of Northampton County High School-East step, into the position in the interim.

&uot;Allowing Ms. Chamblee the opportunity to complete her duties at Conway Middle School will mean that we won’t have to disrupt activities already in progress,&uot; said Pickens.

Citing Conway’s status as a &uot;School of Choice&uot; along with its failure to meet the Average Yearly Progress (AYP) requirements consistent with No Child Left Behind, as a reason for his recommendation, Pickens stated that Chamblee’s efforts to incite progress thus far have been instrumental.

&uot;I believe it’s in the best interest of the students, the curriculum and academic progress for her to remain in her position until the close of the school year,&uot; he said.

Board member Charles Tyner disagreed. &uot;I believe the best person for the position ought to get it. They shouldn’t have to wait,&uot; he said.

Lafayette &uot;Lot&uot; Majette agreed with his fellow board member by stating, &uot;An interview team agreed 100 percent that Ms. Chamblee was the top candidate for the position, so I don’t see a point in having an interim.&uot;

Board member Barbara Stephenson agreed with Pickens’ recommendation for Chamblee to become the new principal at Willis Hare, but disagreed with the process.

&uot;Based on information we’ve received, Ms. Chamblee’s experience would allow her to very easily step into the position without having to wait until the end of the year. However, I’m sure Ms. Trevino would be able to pick up where Ms. Byrum left off.&uot;

&uot;Ms. Trevino will have at least a week to train in the position before Ms. Byrum’s leaves,&uot; Pickens said.

Byrum’s last day will be January 21, however, Trevino will begin serving as interim effective January 24.

In light of the decision, Pickens said the search for a new principal for Conway Middle School would begin immediately.

&uot;We will be working diligently to fill the position that will be left vacant in Chamblee’s absence,&uot; Pickens said. The board has until at least June to locate a candidate and fill the position.

Despite dissent from Tyner, Majette and Stephenson, the decision was ultimately made to appoint Trevino as the interim principal with Chamblee staying on as principal of Conway Middle School through the end of the year.