The Newton Board of Aldermen appointed Jhaddaka Leverette to the Newton Municipal School District board, taking the place of Ward 4 Alderwoman Romonica Evans on the board.
Leverette was one of nine candidates who turned in their names by the July 13 deadline. Six were present and three were absent.
Those who addressed the board of aldermen in person were Mirian Rivers, Leverette, Savannah Martin, Katrina Tingle, Eva McDonald and Dan Moncrief.
The board also heard from Felisha Robinson via phone conference call with the board members.
Joseph Twine and Kristie Temple were not present at the meeting.
Alderman Eric McCalphia made a motion to nominate Leverette, with a second from Evans. After little discussion, the aldermen voted 2-2 on Leverette with McCalphia and Evans voting “yes” and Linda Wash and Bob Bridges voting “nay.”
Mayor Murray Weems decided to break the tie and vote for Leverette. Wash said she wanted to make a nomination, but she was unable to make that known before the vote.
“I have a vested interest in the students’ success of Newton Municipal Schools,” Leverette told the aldermen. “I will keep an open mind.”
