Incoming Board of Education member Brittney Black receives her Oath of Office from Board Attorney Daniel O'Connor.
Superintendent Dr. Garrett Wilcox presents BOE member Hall Chesser for 17 years of service following Chesser's announcement that he was stepping down.
The first meeting of 2024 for the Vidalia City Board of Education began with the issuing of the Oath of Office for one Board member and saw the exodus of another long-serving member and the nomination and approval of another to take his place.
In November, Brittney Black defeated Bruce Asberry to succeed him on the Board and Tuesday night, Board Attorney Daniel O’Connor officially swore her into office.
At the end of the meeting, the members entered a brief executive and closed session to discuss personnel as allowed by law, and when the members reconvened, Board member Hal Chesser announced his resignation.
“After 17 years on the Board, I have decided to step down,” Chesser said. “I’ve seen a lot of changes over the years, but I’ve enjoyed every minute of it.”
A nomination was made to fill the remainder of Chesser’s term with Fred Godbee, but new Board member Black questioned the nomination, asking if Godbee was the only one considered for the seat. Attorney O’Connor explained that the Board’s charter outlines the procedure should a sitting Board member evacuate their respective position. Black said she thought there may be others in Ward 4 who would be interested and mentioned the names of someone she thought should be considered even though they had not been approached about it. But with a proper nomination on the floor with a second for Godbee, a vote was taken with all members approving Godbee except for Black.
Godbee says he is ready to accept the position.
“I’ve been here all my life except when I was in school or in the Navy,” Godbee said. “It’s about giving back to the community. Our job as Board members is to follow protocol and assist the Superintendent in any way we can.”
Godbee will be sworn into the office prior to the next Board meeting and before conducting any official business.
