BUCKINGHAM – Responding to the December resignation of F. Acie Allen as the school board representative for District 7, Gold Hill Precinct, the Buckingham County School Board during its January 8 meeting unanimously voted to appoint Theresa D. Bryant to fill the vacancy.

In December, Allen told the Herald that his resignation was required, as outlined in the Code of Virginia, before his son Matthew could be considered for a teaching position at Buckingham County High School.

Following Allen's resignation, his son was hired as a social studies teacher at Buckingham County High School.

Allen served on the school board for 13 years and was chair from 2008 to 2012.

On Tuesday afternoon, before making the motion to appoint Bryant, Chairman Ed Wise explained that he was turning the gavel over to Vice Chair Sherry Ragland so that he could place a motion on the floor.

At that point, Ragland asked if there were any nominations for the appointment of the District 7 representative.

Wise, noting the 45-day deadline for filling the vacancy was fast approaching, said no letters of interest for the position were submitted.

He shared that subsequently he contacted Theresa Bryant and asked if she would serve on the board if appointed.

“She indicated to me that she would,” stated Wise. He reminded that during the 2007 election, Bryant challenged Allen for the District 7 school board seat.

“Having known her for years, I know she will be a capable and active school board member,” said Wise. “I have no reservations in nominating her for this position.”

Wise explained, “It is my understanding that this will be only for the 2013 calendar year.” He added that a special election for the District 7, Gold Hill, representative to the school board would coincide with the November 2013 election.

According to Wise, the person elected at that time would then serve the remainder of the regular term, which ends on December 31, 2015.

Continuing, Wise noted that candidates for the November 2013 election of the District 7 school board representative must meet the qualifications and requirements stipulated by the Virginia State Board of Elections for the respective position.

After explaining the process, Wise moved to nominate Bryant as the appointee to fill the District 7 seat until the special election. With a second by Thomas Hutcherson, the board unanimously supported Bryant's appointment.

Bryant Vows to Do Her Best

During a phone conversation with Bryant on Wednesday, she expressed her appreciation to the school board for its vote of confidence.

“I am going to do the best I can,” she stated.

Bryant, a native of Buckingham and a graduate of Buckingham County High School, is the mother of three sons, who also graduated from BCHS. Her youngest is a freshman at Ferrum College.

She shared that her connection with Buckingham County Public Schools continues with her granddaughter who is enrolled in the Project Four program at Buckingham Preschool.

After graduating from BCHS, Bryant began a career with the telephone company that is now CenturyLink. She is currently an engineer for the Charlottesville area.

Bryant shared that in light of the difficult economy, she realizes that the school board faces more uncertainty regarding funding while dealing with increasing mandates.

“I will try to be as conscientious of the citizens as I can. We are all under tough economic times and we don't want to carelessly spend money,” shared Bryant. “I want to make sure we get the best bang for our buck.”

She added, “Even though we are a rural county we are a lot better off than some others. We have had some very fiscally-minded people on our boards.”

Bryant stated, “I do want to express my appreciation to Acie Allen for what he has done for the board and all of his service to the county.” She shared, “He did a really good job.”

To the constituents of District 7, Bryant offered, “I am available and will do what I can to help with any concerns or problems.” She added that she is open to hearing feedback and relaying information to the board or the respective administrators.