February 3rd, 2020 by WCBC Radio

The Allegany County Board of Education is expected to spend much of its time during the first half of 2020 searching for a permanent school superintendent. That process begins in earnest Tuesday when the board is expected to meet with officials from the Maryland Association of Boards of Education to outline the search process. When longtime superintendent David Cox stepped down from the post last summer, Jeff Blank was named interim superintendent. Two months later the majority board at the time moved to forego a search and named Blank permanent superintendent. Weeks later the state rejected the action saying that the appointment fell outside of the legally designated time period for appointment of a new superintendent. At the January meeting there was brief discussion on the subject, and some disagreement. While board member Deb Frank strongly advocated that a national search be conducted, member Robert Farrell felt such a process would be too costly at a time when finances are tight.  Tuesday’s meeting with MABE may bring those two sides closer together.  Board president Tammy Fraley said when it comes to hiring a superintendent- both the cost of the search and compensation for whoever is selected- have to be seriously considered….