Alewynse Won't Reapply For WJCC School Board

By Amber Lester Kennedy Wednesday, November 03, 2010

John Alewynse has served on the school board for almost a decade.

Alewynse notified the City Council of his decision not to reapply by letter on Tuesday. His seat is one of two appointed to the board by council; the board’s remaining five members are elected to represent districts in the county. Alewynse was appointed to the board in 2000, replacing outgoing member and current Williamsburg Mayor Clyde Haulman. Alewynse could not be reached for comment.

Alewynse, 74, will complete his term on Dec. 31. The city began soliciting applications for school board two weeks ago; City Council Clerk Donna Scott said the city solicits applications every time a member comes to the end of his or her term. Council will again seek applications this time next year, when Elise Emanuel’s term comes to an end, Scott said.

Three people have submitted applications to take Alewynse’s seat: Pamela Arnold, Kyra Cook and Oscar Prater.

Arnold, 62, is a retired AT&T executive who teaches English composition part-time at Thomas Nelson Community College. Cook, 41, manages the Historic Triangle Collaborative and has two children attending Matthew Whaley Elementary School. Prater teaches saxophone as an adjunct professor at Hampton University, where he has held several positions since his retirement as president of Fort Valley State University, a historically black college in Georgia.

Applications for Alewynse’s seat will be accepted until Friday. On Dec. 9, council will have a public hearing, during which nominations can be made. Following the public hearing, the applicants will each have an opportunity to interview with council. Council is required to wait at least seven days after the public hearing to announce its selection.

Alewynse has had a long career in education, having served as a professor of English at Hampton University for decades. School Board Chair James Nickols said Wednesday that Alewynse should be applauded for his service on the board.

“He is very knowledgeable and articulate, and I like his dry sense of humor,” Nickols said. “He’s to be commended, really, for a long term of service to the community and his passion about education is without question. He wants the best for all the children who attend our schools currently and in the future.”