This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Schools

Board of Education Welcomes a New Member and a New President

Rick Solomon is sworn in and Stacy Clay is elected the new president during Thursday night's board meeting.

At last night’s University City School Board meeting, the old board adjourned for the final time and the new one, with one change in membership, was sworn in.

Three seats on the school board were up for election this year, but since only three candidates were nominated, no election was necessary. Rodney Jennings and Stacy Clay were re-elected for another three-year term while Rick Salamon became the new member of the board, replacing Kristin Sobotka, who had been serving as an interim member.

“I’d like to thank my wife and congratulate my fellow board members for electing to serve another three years,” Solomon said.

Find out what's happening in University Citywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

University City High School (UCHS) representative Sydney Pritchard also bid farewell as she prepared to graduate next month. The board presented her with a commemorative plaque to thank her for her service, and she had a few words of her own before stepping down.

“I hated public speaking,” Pritchard said to the board. “Doing this helped me a lot in getting over it. Thank you so much for this opportunity.”

Find out what's happening in University Citywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Carolyn Martinez, who was sworn in Thursday night, replaced Pritchard.

Next up, the board had to nominate and elect new officers for the next school year. Solomon nominated Stacy Clay to be the new board president and was seconded by Tom Peters, the outgoing president. Clay was unanimously elected.

“Leadership is about the subtly of listening to a parent, of listening to a staff member and most importantly of listening to a student,” Clay said of his new role.

Ellen Bern than nominated Linda Peoples to be the new vice president, and was seconded by Tom Peters. She was also unanimously elected.

Following the two elections, Clay had to choose the board’s secretary and treasurer. He chose Ellen Bern to be the new secretary, which she accepted, and went outside the board for treasurer. He chose Scott Hafertepe, who also accepted.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

More from University City