Public Hearing Held on School Board Appointments

By Crystal Vandegrift, Staff Writer

A public Hearing was held Tuesday night during the Prince Edward Board of Supervisors meeting to hear comments on four citizens who have been nominated for the Prince Edward School Board.

Incubate Dr. Timothy Corbett and newcomer Dr. Wayne McWee have both been nominated for the school board for the Leigh District.

Patricia Bobenreith and Dr. Wilkie Chaffin have been nominated for the Buffalo Distinct seat.

Bobenreith, Chaffin, and Corbett were all present and addressed the supervisors.

Although Dr. McWee was not present due to a prior engagement a former teacher who is Dr. McWee’s neighbor told the supervisors that Dr. McWee was a very hard worker and expects the same from others noting that he “is an intelligent man with a lot of integrity.”

Dr. Corbett addressed the board telling them that. “I’m optimistic about out schools and believe we are going in the right direction.” Dr. Corbett also pointed out that since his time on the school board there have been all new principals at each of the schools. Dr. Corbett also said that one of the biggest obstacles the board and the school system is facing is criticism. “We don’t embrace what we have and use what we have,” he said. “There is criticism and every once in a while we need to hear some constructive criticism.”

Dr. Peter Gur, who represents the Farmville District, was also present during the public hearing and recommend that Dr. Corbett is reappointed to the school board.

Patrica Bobenreith addressed the board informing them that she will strive to “build a bridge” and improve communication among parents and the education system. Bobenreith, who has 30 years of teaching experience, some of that in the Prince Edward school system said, “We need participation by all involved and everyone, needs to work together. One concern is that we need more parents involved.”

Prince Edward teacher, Kathy Biggers also spoke on Bobenreith behalf noting that she has been and remains involved in school actives. “She is very involved with the schools and is concerned about the students,” said Biggers. “Since she retired she still continues to read to students, helps with the book fair, photo and field days and even tutors students. In fact, before she came to this meeting tonight she was tutoring an 11th grader. She cares about our schools and we need someone like that.”

Dr. Wilkie Chaffin, who is also seeking the appointment to the Buffalo District seat, noted that he has done a lot of research on the school system and presented superiors with varies statical data. However, Chaffin did admit that if he were appointed, he would “need to do a walk around” of the schools and get a first-hand look at how things are done.

Even thought Chaffin has been involved in education for numerous years a lot of the questions that were asked of him by supervisors Chaffin admitted he did not know enough about to answer. Chaffin also pointed out that during his research he had not talked with other school board members from Prince Edward of other counties.

When asked what he thought were the two biggest obstacles facing the education system, Chaffin pointed out student achievement and enrollment but was unsure of how he would go about fixing those problems. “I don’t know if I know enough to answer that,” he said.

The board of supervisors is set to make their decision on school board appoints during their June meeting.