Hot seat: Clarksville-Montgomery County interim director of school gets first interview for top job

On-the-job work experience could be just what Angela Huff needs to secure the top job in the Clarksville-Montgomery County School System.

Huff was the first of four candidates to submit to interviews this week with the CMCSS school board as it seeks to fill the district's open director of schools position.

More than a dozen community members and employees from the CMCSS community watched as Huff was peppered with questions from board members Tuesday.

She highlighted her prolific 38-year career in education, and promoted her most recent assignment, serving the last 10 months as the district's interim director of schools.

"I think all the candidates that are coming out for it are very well qualified," Huff said after her interview. "But for me, I felt that being in the position added value to the position, and I feel as though the work that has been accomplished during my tenure has been beneficial to the district."

When asked what her strengths were by the board, Huff said she brings a unique experience to the role. She's served as a teacher, principal and administrator during her career.

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Thanks to her experience, Huff said she can see the district's problems through multiple lenses to properly address and solve them.

During her time as interim director of schools, Huff said she has built up relationships with staff and leadership. She touts her work with county and city officials, who have given continuing support as the district developed a transition plan for schools as they continue to grow by an unprecedented average of nearly 700 new students each year.

Being a collaborator has been important for Huff, who told the board during her interview that she has worked with many department heads and the board to make changes.

One change, Huff mentioned, was allowing for additional time for public participation at board meetings from three minutes per speaker to five minutes.

Following her time with the board, CMCSS employees were given an opportunity to ask Huff questions.

Montgomery Central art teacher Chris Jarrell asked Huff what her main priority would be on day one if she is officially named director of schools.

"Top priority is going around and meeting with staffs and determining from staffs what the most pressing thing that's going on that I need to know about," Huff said.

Employee feedback can be uploaded for board members to review before making they make a final decision.

A new director of schools is expected to begin work on July 1.

Reach reporter Craig Shoup by email at cshoup@gannett.com and on Twitter @Craig_Shoup. To support his work, sign up for a digital subscription to TheLeafChronicle.com.

This article originally appeared on Clarksville Leaf-Chronicle: Clarksville-Montgomery County school board begins director interviews