Due to recent changes in other aspects of his life, Tom
Walmer is resigning his post on the Houston County Board of Education effective
with the conclusion of Tuesday’s monthly meeting.
It was just one month ago that Walmer was elected the
board’s chairman for the fifth year in a row.
“There’s a lot going on in my life,” said Walmer after
Monday’s board work session held at Mossy Creek Middle School. That includes a
change in jobs. He said he needs some time to “step back and see what
opportunities I have.”
“I can’t stress enough how great Flint (Energies) has been
allowing me to serve. They have even encouraged me to run each time my post
came up for re-election.”
While he does not have a new job yet, Walmer said he is
looking into as many as 10 possibilities. However, he said he didn’t feel any
of these would allow him the time needed to also continue as a board member and
chairman.
On the current school board, Walmer said four of the members
are retired and two run their own businesses. In attending state conferences,
he said a majority of school board members in the state are also retirees.
Walmer has served 11 full years on the Houston school board.
“It’s been a big privilege to serve the citizens and
students of Houston County,” he said. “I’ve only been a small part of one of
the best boards and school systems in the state. I had the opportunity to work
with some great people.”
Two of those people, former school superintendents David and
Danny Carpenter, were at Monday’s work session. Each one read aloud a letter to
Walmer. The chairman was glad that happened Monday instead of Tuesday since he
didn’t feel he would emotionally make it through the regular meeting.
“I don’t want a Dick Vermeil moment,” he said referring to
the former NFL head coach.
“I’m sure you did what you thought was best,” said David
Carpenter. “Your tenure on the Board of Education will rank with the best of
them.”
Danny Carpenter, the one credited with encouraging Walmer to
run for the school board, said he had no hidden agendas, was always well
informed, always asked the right questions and understood that one on the
school board was there to be a policy maker.
“He had the best interest of our children and educators in
mind,” said current superintendent Robin Hines, reminding that Walmer himself
was a product of the Houston County system and that he expects him to remain
involved in board issues.
As for Walmer’s district (District 1), Hines said the
position is not up for re-election until 2014. For the remainder of this term,
he said the board will appoint a new representative, most likely at the board’s
March meeting.
Hines said any qualified
citizen in this district, which serves Centerville Elementary, Eagle
Springs Elementary, Northside Elementary, Parkwood Elementary, Westside
Elementary, Thomson Middle and Northside High, can submit a resume to Marianne
Melnick, who is currently the vice-chair but will become the board’s
chairperson after Tuesday’s meeting.
Hines said those who apply
can address the school board at the next work session, which is scheduled for
March 11 at Northside Elementary.
One other significant
announcement was made at the work session. Linda Horne, assistant
superintendent for school operations, plans on retiring after 40 years in
education.
Also at Monday’s work
session, the board heard from Brian Russ, who was representing Jim Elliot
(unable to attend due to a family emergency) and the Save Rumble movement. Russ
said this campaign to save the destruction of the Rumble School building, which
has been up since 1940 and was a “gift” to Warner Robins by the U.S. Army, is
supported by citizens both prominent and not prominent.
Reading a statement prepared
by Elliot, Buss said the building could serve a number of purposes. Those
include becoming a museum to honor people like former Gov. Sonny Perdue or an
athletic Hall of Fame, an adult literacy program’s location or use by the new
Central Registration Office or area colleges.
Buss also pointed out that
the group’s research shows that one-third of a landfill’s contents is
demolished buildings.
Jason Daniel, director of
facilities, told the board the costs for the renovation of McConnell-Talbert
Stadium will run at more than $2.9 million. That would include a new track, a
visitor’s side press box, new lights and improvements in the restrooms and
handicap accessibility.
Horne explained proposed
revisions to the board’s bereavement policy clarifying that any leave for a
death outside the immediate family would have to be taken from vacation or
personal time.
HHJ News
