Guilford County school board members sworn in, reject GOP pick for vacant seat

The newly elected Guilford County Board of Education members were sworn in Tuesday night. 

After taking the oath of office, members voted on board leadership.

Deena Hayes, who has served on the school board since 2002, was re-elected as chairperson. 

“Thank you all for your support of my leadership. I look forward to serving with you again this year, so thank you,” Hayes said. 

Bettye Jenkins was elected as vice chairperson.

The board also held a vote regarding a vacant seat. Former School Board Member Pat Tillman was elected to the Board of Commissioners this year, leaving an opening for District 3. 

The Guilford County GOP recommended that GCS teacher Michael Logan fill the seat, but the board rejected this pick with a vote of 5-2. 

During public comment, Logan said he believed he would end up in the position. 

“That is my seat and I will be looking forward to sitting in it one day,” Logan said.

The November election resulted in three incumbents retaining their seats, and two newcomers — Alan Sherouse and Crissy Pratt — joining the board. The new members made comments at the end of their first meeting. 

“I am joining something that is already in motion with so many of you who do such excellent work, and give of yourselves in so many meaningful ways,” Sherouse said. “I want to say that's especially true of board colleagues here.”

Pratt said she was looking forward to visiting schools and meeting district staff after the holiday break. 

“I am very excited to be serving on this board. In particular, to be able to represent the High Point community on the board, and be able to bring a voice to those schools, as well as to the southern part of the county,” she said. “My virtual door is always open.”

Hayes said the board would revisit the issue of the vacant seat at their meeting in January.

Amy Diaz covers education for WFDD in partnership with Report For America. You can follow her on Twitter at @amydiaze.