Mary Lide Parker
Staff Writer
Pam Hemminger has submitted her resignation as chair of the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Board of Education, effective Dec. 1, to fill a seat on the Orange County Board of Commissioners.
Hemminger has served on the school board for the past four years and served as the chair for the past year. She recently filed to run for one of two seats representing District One on the Orange County Board of Commissioners and is running uncontested.
Hemminger said being chair of the school board is like having a part-time job.
The role of the chair includes being an ambassador and spokesperson for the school board as well as a lobbyist to county commissioners and state legislators. The chair and vice chair attend school graduations to show their support to the students and they attend chamber meetings to stay in touch with the community.
“It’s been a very exciting time,†Hemminger said. “As a school board member, you think you’re coming to help out but we get an education too.â€
Issues that have come up during Hemminger’s term include increasing technology in the classroom, decreasing the drop-out rate, assisting teachers through professional learning communities and developing new education models for ESL students.
Hemminger said the job is challenging but rewarding.
“You do it for the kids; you want to make the educational experience the best it can be for all the kids,†she said. “And you do it for the teachers, because they need support — their job is really hard.â€
Hemminger was happy to note that this district has one of the lowest teacher turnover rates in the Southeast. The district also has the second-highest graduation rate in the state.
Hemminger said that in order to continue to decrease the drop-out rate, teachers and parents need to find and resolve students’ issues earlier.
“We need to start earlier — kids are already shutting down in middle school,†she said.
Hemminger said she is excited about her new position but also a little sad to be leaving the board.
“We have really appreciated her service on the school board and we are sorry that she is leaving, but we are also very happy that her service to the community will continue,†said Vice Chair Lisa Stuckey.
The board plans to hold interviews to fill the vacancy on Nov. 13 from 7 to 9 p.m. Those interested in applying for the position must submit an application with three supporting letters by noon on Nov. 6.
An optional orientation for interested candidates will be held Oct. 21 at 5 p.m. at the Lincoln Center. All interested candidates are strongly encouraged to attend in order to gain an understanding of the expectations and time commitments associated with serving as a member of the board of education.
All candidates must reside in the school district, not be a convicted felon, not have a current conflict of interest situation with the district, be a registered voter and be at least 21 years of age. For more information or to download the application, visit www.chccs.k12.nc.us and click on “Board Vacancy.â€