Dukes tapped for board

By Staff
Council denies Puckett reappointment, opts for new member
Leada DeVaney, Hartselle Enquirer
A Hartselle physician is the newest member of the city's school board.
Hartselle's City Council unanimously approved the appointment of Dr. Andrew Dukes to the five-year post. He replaces current board member and former teacher Susan Puckett, who was seeking reappointment.
A motion to reappoint Puckett for a third term failed on a 2-4 vote, with councilmen Dick Carter, Frank Jones and Alvin Abercrombie and Mayor Clif Knight voting against the resolution. Councilmen Tom Chappell and Don Hall voted in favor of reappointing Puckett.
A second resolution, this one to appoint candidate Lynette Madison, failed on a 3-3 vote, with Hall, Chappell and Knight voting against that motion.
The council eventually voted unanimously to appoint Dukes. He, along with Puckett and Madison, were among the eight candidates applying for the school post. Other candidates were: Teena Chapman, Michelle Jo Blaylock, Byron Faulkner, Dickie Glenn and Tonya Hendrix. The council interviewed each of the candidates before making the appointment.
Dukes takes the post on a board that's often been at odds with the council. The board is also currently looking to replace long-time superintendent Dr. Lee Hartsell, who announced his retirement earlier this year.
Hall said Duke was uniquely qualified to serve on the board.
"He is an individual of the highest morals and standards," Hall said. "He's extremely intelligent and the best one suited for this position."