Four seek school board seat in Prince Edward

By Crystal Vandegrift, Staff Writer

Prince Edward Board of Supervisors members learned Tuesday night that current school board chairman Russell Dove did not apply to continue serving on the county’s school board. Dove, whose term expires this June, has been on the board for close to 15 years.

Dove was not present at Tuesday’s meeting, and there was no mention as to why he is not seeking to apply to the school board.

Early this year a citizen committee was established to look at candidates who were interested in a seat on the Prince Edward School Board. Currently, two district members, Leigh and Buffalo’s, terms are set to expire in June.

 Dr. Timothy Corbett currently serves on the board for the Leigh District.

During her address to the board, Sarah Edmendson, who represents the Leigh District Citizens Committee, told supervisors that in addition to Dr. Corbett, Wayne McWee had also expressed his interest in being on the school board.

“Dr. Corbett’s desire is to improve overall achievement for the school and community. He would like to see more attention placed on all students as well as more parent involvement,” said Edmendson

McWee is a retired Longwood University professor with over 47 years of education experience.

“He believes that Prince Edward County and Farmville need a quality school system. He feels that with his knowledge and background, he could make a difference,” added Edmendson.

According to Edmendson, the citizen committee has recommended that Dr. Corbett be reappointed to the school board.

Alix Fink, representing the citizen committee for the Buffalo District, informed members that they felt that both Dr. Wilkie Chaffin and Patricia Bobenrieth would make suitable candidates for the school board.

“We believe each candidate would make important contributions to the school board, but each would do so in different ways,” Fink said.

Bobenrieth has numerous years of teaching experience and educational degrees. “She has served as an administrator of a private school, she has knowledge of developing budgets and has a close relationship with teachers in the Prince Edward school system,” said Karl Bobenrieth, who nominated Patricia.

During her address to the board, Fink said Dr. Chaffin is an active volunteer in the community, including service as the elected director and treasurer of the Piedmont Soil and Water Conservation District, as well as educational experience.

A public hearing is set for May 10 to hear comments concerning candidates for the school board. The Prince Edward Board of Supervisors will vote for school board member at their June meeting.