WJCC to Accept Applications for Jamestown Seat

By Amber Lester Kennedy Wednesday, January 04, 2012

James City County residents of the Jamestown District can apply to serve on the Williamsburg-James City School Board, with applications accepted starting today until Jan. 12.

The Williamsburg-James City County School Board agreed Tuesday to accept applications for a seat left vacant when Ruth Larson following her election to the Berkeley District seat. Although she did not move, her home was redistricted when the county drew new voting districts in 2011, and she opted to run for election in her new district. From the beginning of the year, the board has 45 days to fill the seat.

The board’s lawyer, Pat Lacy, advised it was not bound to use any specific appointment process to fill the Jamestown District seat. But the board members opted to use the same process used in 2009 to fill the Berkeley District seat when Mary Ann Maimone left the board. At that time, the board accepted applications, held a public hearing for applicants to introduce themselves, interviewed applicants and made an appointment.

Applicants are asked to submit cover letters and resumes to Janet Cerza by Jan. 12. The board will host a public hearing to announce the applicants and hear public opinion on Jan. 17, then interview applicants on Feb. 1.

The appointee will serve until Election Day. If elected to the seat, the member will serve until the end of Larson’s original term, expiring Dec. 31, 2013. At that time, the member can run again for his or her own term.

Jim Kelly, who completed his term as Berkeley District representative in December, now lives in the Jamestown District. He has confirmed he’ll apply for the seat again, and if not appointed, intends to run for the seat in November.

The board also chose new leaders for 2012 at its Tuesday meeting. Ruth Larson will lead the board as chair, Joe Fuentes will serve as vice-chair and Oscar Prater will be the parliamentarian.