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During her final meeting, school board member Jane Crawford, left, looks at board Chairwoman Holly Pickens as she talks Tuesday afternoon.
One week after voters approved a $300 million bond referendum for new elementary schools, residents will have to wait just a little longer to learn about what happens next, district officials say.
“There’s some steps we have to go through,” Superintendent Rick Surrency said during Tuesday’s Putnam County School Board meeting.
The meeting marked the last for retiring school board members Jane Crawford and Bud McInnis. Crawford did not seek re-election this term and Phil Leary will take her seat after winning during the primaries. McInnis, who did not attend Tuesday’s meeting, lost in the primary to political newcomer Linda Wagner. Wagner and Leary will start their time serving as board members during the next meeting, scheduled Tuesday.
Despite this being the first school board meeting since the bond referendum passed, only 20 people attended, including the four present school board members, Surrency and the board attorney. Most meeting attendees in the gallery were school district employees.
“This is something that will definitely be remembered for generations, so, we’re very happy,” Surrency said.
Each present board member expressed excitement about the passage of the school bond referendum, which garnered 54.52% support, according to unofficial results posted on the Supervisor of Elections website.
The elections office is expected to certify the results Friday.
“To be honest with you, I was a little worried there for a while, but the people of Putnam County did the right thing and I’m so excited about the future of our students and our teachers to be able to also teach in these wonderful new buildings,” Crawford said.
The now-former board member, who had been working in the school district since 1977, said she was happy to serve on the board.
“I’ll never forget everything that you’ve taught me and that I’ve learned from you. … I’m going to miss everyone so much, especially my two sisters on the board who will continue on doing great things,” Crawford said, referencing board Chairwoman Holly Pickens and member Sandra Gilyard.
She only hoped to be invited to the opening day of the first new school.
“I can’t wait for that to happen,” she said.