Published: September 02, 2008 01:22 pm         

School board bids farewell to three members

Saying goodbye is never easy, but for the Cumberland County Board of Education, the occasion provided a perfect opportunity to reminisce about the past.

During Thursday's meeting, Board Chair Shirley Parris recognized the contributions made by outgoing board members Robert Safdie, 2nd District; Rick Smith, 4th District; and Gordon Davis, 5th District, as they made their final, touching farewells and relinquished their seats.

"In the past eight years, we have seen a lot of improvements in our school system—things like planning and building Brown Elementary School, all the renovations and the building of a new gymnasium and additional classrooms at Homestead Elementary, the planning and building of Stone Memorial High School and as of now…the opening of our new Phoenix School," said Parris. "The board has worked hard at creating space for our ever-growing population of students…[and] has been about the business of developing new and up-to-date programs to curriculum to enhance learning opportunities for every student…I can't begin to cover everything that these men have accomplished during the last eight years."

Safdie, who has served on the board since September 2000, but will soon represent his district as a member of the county commission. As he made his brief farewell speech, he thanked the community for allowing him to serve on the board and promised to keep education a top priority while on the commission.

"I'm going to miss being here. I've enjoyed working with you. What a great bunch of people you are!" Safdie stated.

"I'm sure he will continue to serve our schools in the same manner and will continue to promote the best education possible for Cumberland County," said Parris.

Like Safide, Davis has been a member since 2000, bringing "the knowledge only a retired educator of 34 years will have" to the board, noted Parris. He said he was honored to work on the board for eight years and hoped it has made a difference.

"The thing I am most proud of…was the Phoenix School. I think it is going to make a big difference to those students that need extra help," said Davis, who diligently pursued this goal for years even before becoming a board member.

"Thanks to his efforts and not giving up…we now have a true alternative education program at our new Phoenix School and also have had some vocational programs started at some our elementary schools," Parris stated.

Smith entered the scene in 2006. Although he has been with the board for a shorter amount of time, he was able to contribute to many activities. For example, he served as chairman of the BOE's policy committee and worked with the building planning committee.

"He has worked hard understanding the needs of our school system, and has been a leader and supportive member of this board in our pursuit to provide the best education possible for our students," commented Parris.

"It has been an experience, and I thank you," Smith said.

Replacing Smith as the BOE's 4th District representative will be Roger Hyder. Bob Scarbrough will take over Davis' 5th District seat, while Richard Janeway covers the 2nd District seat left open by Safdie. James Blalock will become the new 8th District representative, the position Orville Hale held before resigning two weeks ago.

If they decide to do so, these new members could attend their first TSBA fall district meeting on Sept. 4 in Pickett County. The board needs at least five members in attendance in order to keep its accreditation.