Dr. Eugene White ‘changes mind,’ no longer supports Hayes as Indianapolis library CEO

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The latest member of the Indianapolis Public Library Board of Trustees has publicly declared his opposition to a well-liked alternative for CEO.

Dr. Eugene White, a former superintendent of Indianapolis Public Faculties and the present interim principal at North Central Excessive College, sat in on his first board assembly Monday evening.

White informed the viewers watching Monday’s assembly that he initially supported Nichelle Hayes because the library system’s everlasting chief, however that’s not the case.

“I modified my thoughts on that once I realized all of the information concerned,” White stated.

When requested in regards to the new data that led him to vary his thoughts, the previous superintendent responded, “I can’t share them presently.”

White stated he’s prepared to share an e mail he despatched to the board explaining his determination, however it’s not clear if or when that might occur.

Nichelle Hayes held the function of interim library CEO for 9 months whereas leaders looked for a everlasting CEO. She beforehand acquired help from neighborhood advocates in addition to greater than a dozen members of the Metropolis-County Council.

Protesters have demanded Hayes’ appointment for the reason that seek for a brand new chief started in September 2021, with neighborhood members telling Information 8 they need Hayes within the place attributable to her earlier expertise inside the Indianapolis library system.

Hayes has acquired the backing of a number of members of the board of trustees, together with Stephen Lane, who launched a decision Monday to formally title Hayes as everlasting CEO.

The board of trustees stated in December that it deliberate to nominate a “new chief from the neighborhood” in early 2023.