Somerset's retiring school board members recognized

Posted 1/16/23

WESTOVER — Two members of the Somerset County Board of Education who did not seek re-election were honored during their last meeting in December by Superintendent of Schools Dr. John …

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Somerset's retiring school board members recognized

Posted

WESTOVER — Two members of the Somerset County Board of Education who did not seek re-election were honored during their last meeting in December by Superintendent of Schools Dr. John Gaddis.

Penny Nicholson and Margo Green-Gale were presented a plaque and proclamation by Dr. Gaddis.

Ms. Nicholson first ran for her District 1 seat in 2014 and was sworn-in starting in January 2015 and completed two terms.

“The eight years went fast,” Ms. Nicholson said, telling her successor Andrew Gleason not to get hung up with the abbreviations which are commonly used in education, and reminding him that “policies are fluid” and will change as circumstances require.

“Listen and learn, your first year will be mind-boggling.” “It’s been a great experience” representing the district, the students and teachers, she said.

Ms. Green-Gale was elected to represent District 5 in November 2010 but joined the board a month early when appointed in December by Gov. Martin O’Malley to complete the term of the late Stan Pruitt. She was re-elected in 2014 and 2018.

“Forty-five years in the system, 12 years on the board,” Ms. Green-Gale said. “I’ve been in education all of my adult life,” from elementary school to high school guidance to service on the board, “I think it’s time for me to rest….(but) I can’t do it, I wish I could but I can’t.”

“Me and Miss Margo go way back,” Dr. Gaddis said, as she was on the board when he was a candidate to replace retiring Superintendent Karen-Lee Brofee — making the motion that he be hired as the interim superintendent.

“I appreciate both of you guys for your service,” said board Chair Troy Brittingham Jr. “I wish you the best, enjoy your retirement.”

“Even in our disagreements in the end of the day we’ve all been able to smile and laugh and that’s important,” said board member Caleb Shores. He welcomed them to come back to attend the meetings, “and a little heckling wouldn’t be bad.”

Board member Bill McInturff said while they haven’t always agreed on everything they built a level of mutual appreciation and respect, and “We’ll miss you.”

At the this month’s meeting the board welcomes Mr. Gleason (District 1) and Allen Ford (District 5) as the newly-elected members, each running unopposed in November. Also starting his first full term as an elected member is Mr. McInturff, who had been appointed by Gov. Larry Hogan in April 2021 to complete the term of Bobby Wells, who resigned.

Both Mr. Shores and Chairman Brittingham have two years remaining on their first, and second terms, respectively.

Ms. Nicholson pointed out that when the new board convenes it will be the first time Dr. Gaddis has an all-male board. It will also be the time for members to select a chair and vice chair.

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