Another board member is stepping down from Hickory Public Schools.
Board of Education Vice Chairwoman Gloria Hemphill, who represents Ward 3, announced Tuesday she is resigning effective Dec. 5.
“My flexibility of time is not there,” she said. “I don’t get to the schools like I used to or volunteer like I used to.”
Hemphill graduated with a master’s degree in May and is now at a private nursing practice. She said she has become more pressed for time with her job doing patient treatment.
“I had planned to do it last year and not run, but I was talked into staying on,” Hemphill said. “But it’s time now to step down.”
Hemphill has been on the board of education since August 1997, when she filled a vacant position. Hemphill said she wanted to stay on the board through the transition of the new superintendent. Previous superintendent Lillie Cox left the school system last summer, and interim superintendent Jim Causby has served the system until a permanent person was hired. The school system announced Cox’s replacement in September. Walter Hart will lead the system beginning on Nov. 1.
“I’ve participated in all the meetings for the superintendent search. I’ve had to take personal leave to attend them, and that’s OK, but I can’t participate in things with the school system like I used to,” Hemphill said.
She is the second board member to step down in three months. Vanessa Linebarger resigned from her seat representing Ward 4 in July. Linebarger did not give a reason for her resignation. She was a board member for 16 years. The board did not fill Linebarger’s position until early September.
Hemphill said she is delaying her resignation until December to give the board ample time to find a qualified candidate.
“I figured I would close it out at the end of the year, and have time to get new candidates to apply,” she said.
Hemphill said she had a positive experience on the board, but realizes it’s time for someone else to take her place.
“I will always support the school system,” she said. “I’m excited about the new superintendent and the new vitality of the place.”
She added she will still help if she can.
“I’m stepping down, but I’m not leaving the area. If I can help in any way, I will,” Hemphill said.
Hickory Public Schools is accepting applications for the open position on the board of education, which is a two-year appointment. To be eligible, you must live in Ward 3, be at least 21 years old and be eligible by law. The board will accept letters up to Nov. 14. The board will conduct interviews on Nov. 28.
If interested, send a letter to: The Board of Education, Attention: Mary Duquette, Hickory Public Schools, 432 4th Ave. SW, Hickory, NC 28602.
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