Bryant Accused Of Tampering With Job Search

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) – The Mississippi Community College Board remains stalemated in its search for a new executive director as accusations rise that Gov. Phil Bryant is improperly intervening.

Board Chairman Bruce Martin says the board took no action in a closed meeting Friday and will keep discussing the appointment.

The meeting came after the head of the accrediting group for all 15 community colleges sent a letter saying Bryant’s attempts to change requirements for the coordinating board’s director amounted to undue political influence.

In November, Bryant asked the board to drop requirements for an academic doctorate or experience in educational administration. In a letter, the Republican wrote Mississippi should allow someone with business experience to enhance job training.

A spokesman for Bryant says he only wants to include candidates with different experience.