Fountain City banker John Fugate became the newest member of the Knox County school board on Monday, raising criticism and questions from two commissioners.
Fugate was selected to fill the remainder of former board member Indya Kincannon's term. Kincannon is moving overseas with her family. A 7-4 vote of the Knox County Commission elevated Fugate over another finalist, Rick Staples.
Almost immediately after the vote, Commissioner Amy Broyles expressed concerns that the vote was politically motivated.
"It's a tremendous disappointment and, frankly, it's a slap in the face to every member of the 2nd District," Broyles said. "This should not be about anyone's personal political agenda."
Broyles supported Staples in Monday's vote. She was joined in her opposition by fellow commissioner Sam McKenzie, who also voted for Staples. He suggested outside political forces had convened to select Fugate, because he will have a vote when the board selects a new chair. Current chairwoman Lynne Fugate has largely supported incumbent KCS superintendent Jim McIntyre; a possible challenger, Mike McMillan, opposes the policies advocated by McIntyre.
County commissioners who voted for Fugate denied any connection between their support and Fugate's role in selecting the next school board chair. Asked by a reporter if anyone helped secure support from commissioners on his behalf, Fugate replied "No comment," and walked away.
Fugate has a degree in education and a master's in administration and supervision. He said Monday he has no plans to run for a full term in November.