It’s official. Grant Swallows will be Warren County’s next director of schools and he will be taking the reins next week.
A four-year contract for Swallows was approved Monday night by the Warren County Board of Education. He is expected to officially take over from current director Bobby Cox on May 22.
“We’ll hand over the keys on the 22nd and I’ll be in and out using vacation days and things that I’ve got saved through the month of June,” said Cox. “But I’ll be around to help him in any way possible.”
The contract for Swallows passed 5-1 with School Board members Tanya Bess, Helen Martin, Sue Anderson, Teddy Jones and Bill Zechman voting in favor of the contract as presented. James Bennett voted against it.
Before the vote, Bennett presented a motion to make changes to the contract that would require Swallows to become a Warren County resident in six months, for the contract to be three years in length, and for him to receive a salary of $110,000. His motion failed for lack of a second.
The contract which was approved calls for Swallows to become a Warren County resident within one year, for him to earn a salary of $115,000, and for the contract to be four years in length.
“Bobby, for several years, didn’t take a salary increase so I would suggest the contract stay like we have it,” said Martin.
In addressing the residency issue, Bess noted that Swallows and his wife have three children and it might take some time to find a home of their liking.
“We don’t know what the housing market will look like,” said Bess. “We felt like 12 months was ample time to move his family down here.”
Zechman said the one-year timeframe was offered so as not to rush the family in its relocation.
“This was offered out of humane consideration for the family,” said Zechman. “Whoever the director of schools is needs to be a bona fide resident of Warren County. I don’t see how it works otherwise.”
Swallows was in attendance and given a chance to address the School Board after his contract was approved.
“I’ve already had several good conversations and I appreciate those people reaching out,” said Swallows. “Transition under normal circumstances is tough and under our current circumstances is even tougher.”
Cox described Swallows as a “fine young man and a good educator.” Cox said they would be meeting this Wednesday, Thursday and Friday to work on the transition process.
Bennett and Zechman were among School Board members who praised Cox for his dedication to the school system during his eight years as director. It was agreed Cox will preside over the 2020 graduation ceremony set for June 12.
