Video: New Superintendent Raises Eyebrows With Hiring Recommendations

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COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) — New Columbus schools superintendent Doctor Philip Hickamn has raised SOME eyebrows by recommending the district hire his wife and her relative.

The school board voted Monday night to hire Leslie Smith to fill a new position of director of schools to work with the district’s nine principals. The job pays $70,000 a year. Smith is an uncle to Hickman’s wife.

Board attorney David Dunn says the hire doesn’t violate state ethics rules, but the Commercial Dispatch reported only board chairman Angela Verdell was aware of the relationship. Hickman told the newspaper he knew Smith before he knew his wife.

Hickman also recommended hiring his wife, Adilah Zalzala as special education coordinator. But that was pulled from the board’s agenda until the district’s temporary personnel director, Assistant Superintendent Craig Shannon, can review and make the recommendation.

A reception to welcome Hickman to the community was held Tuesday evening. City leaders, administrators, and teachers attended. The event was hosted by the Hunt High School Class of 1969.