The Andalusia Board of Education amended the contract of Dr. Beverly McAnulty to change her job description and named Ted Watson interim superintendent in an emergency board meeting Thursday night.

BOE member Dr. Bill King made the motion to amend McAnulty’s contract “based on personal reasons.” Board members said that McAnulty will be employed by the city system with responsibilities as a data consultant until her contract expires in August 2011. Her health insurance and other benefits also will continue.

Amy Dugger seconded King’s motion, which carried unanimously.

Board member Leann Riley then nominated Watson, who was present, for superintendent. Dugger made the motion, which was seconded by King, and unanimously approved. The appointment is immediate.

Board chairman David Bryant said of Watson, “We really look forward to working with him and hope he’s going to do a wonderful job.”

Board members were mum about why the changes were made.

“Her attorney talked to our attorney,” Bryant said, referring all other questions to board attorney Bill Alverson.

Reached by telephone after the meeting, Alverson said the contract amendment removed an automatic renewal clause and calls upon McAnulty to be available for the interim superintendent and to the permanent superintendent when one is named. Alverson said state policy allows school systems to have an interim superintendent for only 120 days unless it receives special permission from the state department of education to extend the interim period.

Board member Joe Nix was not present at the meeting.

A press conference is planned at 1 p.m. today in the Andalusia City Hall auditorium.

The board will meet again at 6 p.m. on Tues., June 7.