Randy Swartzmiller took the oath of office prior to the Hancock County Board of Education’s reorganizational meeting Monday, officially becoming the newest member of the school board. (Photo by Craig Howell)

NEW CUMBERLAND — The Hancock County Board of Education reorganized Monday, opting to continue with the same slate of officers, while welcoming a new member to the board.

Monday’s meeting served as the first for new member Randy Swartzmiller, who was given the oath of office prior to the meeting beginning. With several years of experience in the West Virginia Legislature, Swartzmiller was elected to the board in May.

The board also approved Chris Gillette to remain as the board’s president for the next two school years. This will be Gillette’s second two-year term as board presidents. He was re-elected to a second four-year term on the board during May’s election.

“I thank you,” Gillette said.

Gillette wasn’t the only nominee for the post, though, as Swartzmiller proposed Ed Fields to lead the board.

“I’m new to the board. I’m not new to public service,” Swartzmiller said, adding while he feels Gillette has done a good job as board president in the last two years, he felt a change would make the board stronger and provide better representation to the taxpayers, students, teachers, service personnel and administrators.

Gillette’s nomination was approved by a 3-2 vote, with Gillette and members Gerard Spencer and Jim Horstman voting in favor. Fields’ nomination received two votes: from Fields and Swartzmiller.

At one point following the votes, Fields asked if it would be possible to change his vote for Gillette’s nomination, saying he feels such a decision should be unanimous.

“I think it needs to be shown we are one boad,” Fields said.

Fields was told the vote could not be redone; however, under Robert’s Rules of Order, a motion to reconsider an action can be made if done by a member who had voted on the prevailing side.

For vice president, Gillette nominated Fields to continue in the post he has held for the last two years.

“I think we work well together,” Gillette said.

Fields’ nomination as vice president was approved unanimously.

chowell@weirtondailytimes.com