School Board Member Maria Clanton will be stepping down effective December 31, leaving the board to hold a special election.
The reason for her resignation is based on conflicts with her retirement from education and her ability to serve or volunteer. Clanton has worked in the field of education for 25 years and has made the decision to retire. However, the Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS) states that in order to retire, one must separate oneself from all facets of state employment for 90 days- including serving as a school board member. Because the position cannot stay vacant for 90 days, Clanton had to make the decision to leave the position behind.
“I am very excited about my retirement, but I will miss serving our community and our district,” Clanton said.
Clanton reflects on the positives of her time- she notes the love of organizing things like graduation and the hopes that she made a difference- as well as the challenges and difficulties of the decisions they must make.
“We carry the burden of details and the judgment from others who don’t have the burden of the details. We pray hard. We look at policy and law. We stand quietly when we are judged harshly. At the end of the day, we look in the mirror and hope we did right because the decisions we make impact not just one – but all,” Clanton said. “This experience has made me remember that everyone is just doing their best… and grace is one of our most precious gifts that we don’t give or receive enough.”
She hopes whoever fills her position will do so with compassion and dedication to the students of the district- and she hopes the district itself will look to the future with the same qualities.
“I want our district to pursue goodness. I want every child to grow to their own unique best. I want to see more opportunities for trades and skills classes. I want our students to understand their true value isn’t wrapped up in a state test score….but studying and working hard has its own reward! I want students to feel valued for who they are as amazing individuals,” Clanton said.
“I want our staff to feel valued and appreciated. I want all who serve our children in the many places of education to be respected. I want our district to be a place where no matter where you come from or where you are going… you are proud to call George County home.” Clanton said.
The board plans to make an appointment before holding a special election next year to fill her position. Voting precincts for District 2 include the George County Court House, Agricola, Howell and Movella communities.
