2009-12 Alexandria School Board takes the Oath of Office. (Photo: Regan Kireilis)
By Carla Branch
alexandrianews.org
On Monday night, the members of the Alexandria School Board were sworn in. Their term begins on July 1, 2009, and ends on June 30, 2012.
Representing the Alexandria Electoral Board, Peter Newbold, read the election certification for all of the members and gave each their certificate. “To all to whom these presents shall come-greeting: This is to Certify, that at a meeting of the Electoral Board of the City of Alexandria held on May 8, 2009, on an examination of the official records deposited in the office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court it was ascertained and determined that at the election held on May 5, 2009, Member was duly elected to the Alexandria School Board for a term commencing July 1, 2009 and ending June 30, 2012.”
Then, Ed Semonian, clerk of the circuit court of the City of Alexandria, administered the oath of office. “Congratulations to all of you and good luck,” Semonian said.
There are seven returning Board members and two new additions, Helen Morris and Mimi Carter. They replace Scott Newsham and Eileen Cassidy Rivera. Before each Board member got the opportunity to thank their friends and families, they listened to charges from a student, a representative of the PTA Council, a teacher and an administrator.
Kristen Folkerts is a rising ninth grader and Board Member Yvonne Folkerts’ daughter. “Be the best Board Member that you can be but never forget your family because they have been here for you from the beginning,” she said.
Melynda Wilcox represented PTAC. “Reach out to parents and other members of the community,” she said. “When you must make difficult decisions, communicate them clearly. Be courageous enough to do things differently.”
Jennifer Lay represented teachers. “Listen to the teachers and listen to the students. Ask us to get involved in your decision-making processes. After all, we all have the same goal; to help every student achieve,” she said.
Scott Coleman is the principal at Mt. Vernon Community School. “Always do the best you can,” he said. “Fly high.”
On July 1, the Board will hold an organizational meeting at which they will elect the 2009-10 chair and vice chair.
