By By Adam Prestridge
Despite indications last week that a new football coach and athletic director would be recommended for hiring at Thursday's monthly school board meeting, no action was taken.
Escambia County High School principal Harvey Means did not bring forth a hiring recommendation for the issue, which was not even listed on the meeting's agenda.
Board member Chuck Brooks, who represents the Atmore area, inquired why the hiring was not on the agenda. Means, who was present at the meeting, responded by stating that after going through the interview process, which included a six-person hiring committee, school administrators including himself and personnel from the Escambia County Board of Education in Brewton, they had decided to "hold off" before submitting a name for recommendation.
Following regular business of the board, they entered into executive session to discuss the coaching hire at ECHS. During the closed door meeting, Means was asked to join the board members and speak to them regarding the hiring process.
In an interview last week, Means said 10 applicants chosen from a pool of 45-50 applicants from “all over the country,” were chosen to be interviewed beginning Monday. He also showed confidence in the applicant pool.
Means, who said last week that the “final” decision rests on his shoulder, did, however, state that he was not going to rush the process in hopes of finding someone who would lead the football program for years to come.
Means added that his goal is to have the person hired serve as the school’s athletic director too.
Former head coach and athletic director Kyle Davis was relieved of his duties on Dec. 18, 2009 just before Christmas break. For the past two months, the school has been without an athletic director, but Means hopes that will change soon.