Smith-Jones to resign from Va. Beach School Board

Posted to: Education Local Government News Virginia Beach
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By Mike Hixenbaugh
The Virginian-Pilot
© August 11, 2011

VIRGINIA BEACH

School Board member Sandra Smith-Jones plans to step down at the end of the month after accepting an administrative position with a Saudi Arabia-based education company.

"It's a wonderful opportunity," Smith-Jones said. "It's something I always wanted to do."

The former teacher and assistant professor at Hampton University was elected to the School Board in 2000 as an at-large member and was re-elected in 2004 and 2008 to represent the Kempsville district. She announced her plans to resign on Wednesday. A farewell reception has been planned for 5 p.m. Tuesday before the School Board meeting.

Smith-Jones said she was excited to begin a new job overseas but sad to leave the board. "There is still more to be done here," she said.

The board will have 45 days to appoint a replacement to fill the seat until the November 2012 election. The division probably will begin accepting applications in the coming weeks, Chairman Dan Edwards said.

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Final Farewell

Submitted by winsliad on Sat, 09/03/2011 at 11:12 am.

Maybe she used the phrase "final farewell" so she'd get another farewell reception. Then she could 'intend' that reception too!

The Saga Continues....

Submitted by 757VBin on Wed, 08/10/2011 at 4:38 pm.

This is sad news...Sandra has always made herself available & represented the interests of children & employees.

Unfortunately, this gives the SB another chance to appoint another clone: A person who thinks like them, acts like them, is afraid to stand up for principles & ask questions. Another person who knows nothing about the classroom and who will continue to rubber stamp the administration. Then, like a previous poster said, that person will get re-elected....a vicious little circle.

This will be the what, 3rd or 4th appointment in 2 years. Looks like the person who commented about appointed SB's will be getting their way...only these appointments will be by the SB (mainly the Chair)...elections are just an inconvenient formality.

Sorry to hear she is leaving

Submitted by Snarky Little Snot on Wed, 08/10/2011 at 5:52 pm.

Sorry to hear she is leaving. We need more diversity on the school board to break up some the culture of snottyism that too often takes a top-down tone. I hope they appoint a warm person that also listens to unconnected, under-represented and unimportant people. It would benefit the district and improve morale, benefitting students, parents and those who serve them.

Should all citizens apply?

Submitted by eureka on Wed, 08/10/2011 at 4:06 pm.

Should all citizens apply or only those endorsed by the Virginia Beach branch of the NAACP?

Opportunity knocks

Submitted by hwatkins on Wed, 08/10/2011 at 3:05 pm.

Best wishes to this dedicated public servant.

BUT...what if we took this opportunity to petition the school board to not replace her and petition the General Assembly to do away with powerless elected school boards?

Gee, we did such a great job replacing all those incumbents in Congress last year and "firing Nancy Pelosi." The economy is booming, peace has broken out...oh wait, maybe not.