By Josh Lanier
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Carolina International School has hired a temporary replacement for current Director Richard Beall who is scheduled to leave at the end of the month.
Carole Forbes, a former charter school director and school administrator from Massachusetts, will assume the interim director position on July 1. Forbes most recently worked as a school management advisor for a school in the Middle Eastern nation of Qatar.
The Harrisburg charter school has faced a tumultuous year of fundraising and turmoil after a former financial officer was accused of embezzling more than $500,000 from the 440-student facility. Forbes said she’s prepared to take on the challenges.
“I’m very excited to be coming to this school,” she said. “I think that the community, faculty and administration has been absolutely dedicated to this school and I’m very impressed.”
The school’s board of directors first interviewed Forbes at the end of May and offered her the job earlier this week. The position will only be temporary, as board members begin a search for a permanent replacement later this year, and Forbes said she would apply for the director’s position when the search begins.
Board of Directors Chair Rick Halperin said the interim position was chosen in lieu of a permanent replacement because the board felt it needed more time to complete a more thorough search. Beall announced his resignation April 2.
“We hope that she does apply for the permanent replacement, she’s a great candidate,” Halperin said, “but this way we get a chance to accustom ourselves with each other and make sure everything works out well.”
Halperin said the board chose Forbes in part because of her experience with environmental and international studies. Carolina International School’s curriculum is steeped in both.
“The direction of the school isn’t going to change,” Principal Deanna Duncan said. “Our vision and direction will stand strong.”
Duncan said she speaks with Forbes daily about preparing for next year. Forbes currently lives in Massachusetts and plans to relocate later this month.
“She spent a day and a half with me going over our vision and what we’ve worked to accomplish here and we’re excited to have her on board,” Beall said. “She’s a competent candidate who brings a lot to the table.”
Beall said he has a lot of work to complete before handing over the reins but said he’s excited about spending more time with his family and friends. He plans to travel over the coming months to visit with them.
Students will resume classes at charter school Aug. 20.
• Contact Josh Lanier: 704- 789-9144.