Margaret A. Pope will be replacing Vanessa Linebarger as the board member representing Ward 4 on Hickory Public Schools’ board of education.
Pope said she was interested in serving on the board because she is committed to students.
“I’ve volunteered in the schools,” she said. “I’ve had a passion for children and I want to be an asset for maintaining and improving what we have in Hickory Public Schools.”
Linebarger resigned in mid-July without explanation after serving on the board for 15 years. The board accepted applications through Aug. 11 for residents living in Ward 4 who were interested in the position.
“We had three people apply and she was one of them,” said Joab Cotton, board chairman. “She seemed to state her commitment to education and her commitment to the community.”
Pope, 65, said she had wanted to serve on the school board for a while.
“This is something I wanted to do. Once Vanessa stepped down, I wanted to try,” she said. “I have a passion for kids, especially those who are at-risk.”
Pope has worked for the Department of Social Services, the NC Developmental Evaluation Center and was a school social worker for Catawba County Schools. Since she retired in 2006, she has worked part-time off and on. She has also volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, Meals on Wheels and Southwest and Longview elementaries.
Pope said education is her main goal, though.
“I will make the school board my priority,” she said.
Pope will serve on the board until Dec. 5, when the position will be filled by the person elected in November. Pope said she intends to file for the position.
The school board is expected to appoint a superintendent for Hickory Public Schools before then. James Causby is currently serving as interim superintendent.
“I wish I could have been a part of the whole process, although I understand they could not wait until someone was appointed,” Pope said of the superintendent search. “Whatever decision is made will be in the best interest of the school system.”
When Linebarger stepped down, the board initially debated not filling her position because it was such a short time until the election, said Beverly Snowden, public information officer for Hickory Public Schools.
However, upon advice from the board attorney and according to NC Public School law, the board position must be filled, Snowden said.
Pope will be administered the oath of office for the unexpired term on Sept. 12th at 5:30 p.m. in Hickory Public Schools’ administrative building on Fourth Avenue, SW.
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