Last month, Doug Roper resigned from his Ward 1 seat on the Vidalia City Board of Education to seek the office of Mayor of the City of Vidalia. Per the School System's Charter, the remaining Board members are tasked with appointing someone to fill the unexpired term. Monday night, Tim Truxel motioned for Roper's seat to be filled by Andy Blount, and Julee Torrance seconded the motion. Bruce Asberry opposed, but the majority rules and Blount was approved and will be sworn into office at the October Board Meeting.

Blount owns and operates his own construction company in Vidalia. He is an alumnus of the Vidalia City School System and currently has children attending schools in Vidalia. 

Blount said he is "honored and humbled" to be able to serve. He will fill the position until the end of 2023.

With the new appointment, Asberry will become the new Assistant Treasurer, and Blount will will become the Board's Parliamentarian.

Also at Monday night's meeting, Superintendent Garrett Wilcox asked the Board of approve a slight rollback on the Tax Digest for the next tax collection period. The approved millage rate is 14.99 mils. The previous rate was 15 mils, which is the maximum that could have been assessed.

The Board also approved the purchase of 200 Cromebooks for students at Vidalia High School in the amount of just over $44,000. The funds will be paid from the Special Purpose Local Sales Tax approved by voters for educational purposes.