The Liberty County Board of Education has undergone a major transformation.
As of the New Year, three brand-new board members will replace outgoing District 4 board member Marcia Anderson, District 5 board member Marcus Scott IV, and District 6 board member Dr. Yvette Keel.
In the May general election, Scott was defeated by incoming board member Dr. Chante’ Baker-Martin, and Keel fell to Donita Strickland. District 4 board member Jim Johns, Sr. secured his seat after a July run-off against Annette Payne. Chairwoman Lily Baker was re-elected to her fourth term as chairwoman, beating opponent Scott Carrier.
All new board members attended a swearing-in ceremony at 10 a.m. Dec. 19, at the Liberty County BOE office. Those in attendance included families of the board members, as well as Liberty County School System faculty and staff members.
Liberty County Probate Judge Nancy Aspinwall was present to administer the oaths, which included a formal signing at the conclusion of the ceremony.
An excerpt from the oath each member took read:
“As a citizen of Liberty County and being an employee of the Liberty County Board of Education and recipient of public funds for services rendered, hereby solemnly swear and affirm that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of Georgia. I do further solemnly swear or affirm that I will truly and faithfully discharge all duties required of me by law as a member of the Liberty County Board of Education to the best of my ability.”
Baker expressed her excitement at ushering in a new board, and the opportunity to work with such good people, and to continue improving and making LCSS great, she said.
“This is an exciting time,” Baker said. “Congratulations and thank you to all our new members, and their families, for allowing them to serve in this capacity.”
Baker-Martin, Strickland and Johns echoed the same sentiments, stating how grateful for the support received, and the chance to serve and continue to the work to make “Liberty County a destination school system,” Baker-Martin said.
The first official meeting of new board will be 5:30 p.m. January 8, 2019.