By Debra Messick

CAMBRIDGE - Following several weeks of upheaval, a revamped Dorchester County Board of Education featuring new leadership and two new members met Thursday, July 18 during its regular monthly meeting.

On June 3, Vice President Susan Morgan submitted her resignation followed by President Mike Diaz stepping down on June 28.

During a special meeting called for July 11, Wheedleton, Hubbard, and Chikwendu voted to select longtime area educators Hubbard and Chikwendu President and Vice President, respectively.

Hubbard, representing District 4 and Chikwendu, appointed by County Council to fill the vacant seat of late District 2 representative Dr. Theresa Stafford, are both lifelong Dorchester County natives.

The Dorchester County Board of Education acted quickly to fill Morgan and Diaz’s vacant seats with Dr. Brandy Cumberland and Christine LaMonica, who were running for the positions on the November ballot.

At 5 p.m. Chief Deputy Clerk David Capobianco, filling in for Chief Dorchester County Circuit Court Clerk Amy Craig, officiated as Cumberland and LaMonica were sworn in during the open session portion of the meeting, followed by a closed portion until 6 p.m.

Cumberland, who holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree, is a mental health nurse practitioner residing with her husband and family in South Dorchester. When her youngest child starts Pre-K in September, all four of her children will be attending DCPS.

LaMonica, currently pursuing a master’s degree in social work from Salisbury University, has worked in law enforcement, real estate, and finance. A dedicated endurance athlete, she has competed in both Eagleman and Ironman events. She also volunteers with CASA of the Mid-Shore and One Mission Cambridge.

Superintendent Thompson and President Hubbard expressed gratitude that the board would once again be able to conduct business in the coming school year with its member ranks full. In welcoming all, Thompson reemphasized the group’s united goal in working to fulfill the new DCPS hashtag #23nomore, referring to the County’s second to last place standing in statewide testing results.