WACO, TX — The Waco Independent School District Board of Trustees has voted to hire former Belton ISD Superintendent Dr. Susan Kincannon.
Dr. Kincannon was named the lone finalist by the board in early August.
During Thursday's board meeting, she received the votes needed to win the almost $250,000-a-year contract to lead Waco schools.
However, that didn't stop parents from expressing concern.
"It still brings me about some concerns because of the districts she's worked with," said Anita Phillips, a parent of a Waco ISD student.
Then there’s the business of entangling investments among new Waco ISD Board President Angela Tekell and former board president Pat Atkins, the owner of a Brazos River home that's rented out on AirBnB for a bundle every night.
"The concern is that there is both business and personal relationships that create a conflict of interest, and I believe cloud judgment," said Marlin Jones of Waco.
After the discussion during the nomination process, Board President Angela Tekell confidently announced she had no conflict of interest.
"When I offered to recuse myself for the perception of a conflict of interest, my fellow board members said, "No, you do not need to do that,"" said Tekell.
When the vote came, board Member Norman Manning said he spoke for all minorities at Waco ISD when he voted "no".
In the end, just as expected, Dr. Kincannon was voted into the Waco ISD superintendent role. Her three-year deal will pay her almost $250,000 per year, plus other perks.
"I've been very impressed with the talent and the dedication to the students of the Waco ISD, and I just look forward to serving," said Dr. Kincannon.
The former Belton ISD superintendent will become the Waco ISD superintendent sometime next week.
