By Taylor Boyd
The Patrick County School Board reluctantly accepted Vice-chairman Lester Harrell’s resignation at the Thursday, May 14 meeting.
Harrell’s resignation will be effective May 31. He served on the board for two years.
Chairman Amy Walker, of the Mayo River District, read Harrell’s resignation letter before the board accepted his resignation.
“It has been an honor to serve the citizens of Patrick County in this role. I am grateful for the opportunity to work alongside fellow board members, administrators, and staff in support of our students, schools, and community. This decision comes as I transition into a new professional role that will require my full attention and commitment. While stepping away from the board is not easy, I believe it’s the right decision to ensure that both roles receive the dedication that they deserve.
“I sincerely appreciate the support, collaboration, and relationships I built during my time on the board. I remain committed to the continued success of Patrick County Public Schools, and I wish the board the very best moving forward,” Walker said, reading Harrell’s letter.
Harrell, of the Peters Creek District, said he came on the board reluctantly in 2024.
“The opportunity to serve has also helped me to grow professionally and individually as a person. I’ve developed some great professional relationships and also on the personal sides some great friendships,” he said.
Noting that “all good things must end,” Harrell said he’s been offered a position that will take him outside the county.
“I just want to thank you all for putting up with me and I wish you all the best,” Harrell said.
When former Peters Creek District representative Ryan Lawson left the board, Rob Martin, of the Dan River District, said he wondered how he could ever be replaced.
“Then, I got to meet the honorable Lester Harrell, and it’s been a great honor. You’ve enlightened me tremendously, and I formed a new friendship.
In addition to thanking Harrell for his military service, Martin thanked him for being on the school board and for trying to keep him straight and not talking so much.
“Yeah, it was hard,” Harrell replied.
Schools Superintendent Dr. Jason Wood also thanked Harrell for his military service and for his professional career for families in Patrick County.
“But most importantly in our relationship, thank you for serving Patrick County Public Schools and our families and students and staff. You will be tremendously missed,” Wood said.
Walter Scott, of the Smith River District, and Walker echoed similar sentiments.
“You’ve given us a great perspective on things that we don’t necessarily see every day, and we appreciate that. I appreciate the work that you do in helping families, I know that that’s not something that everybody can just step into and do, so I appreciate your humble heart and your servanthood,” Walker said.
Following Harrell’s depature on May 31, the board will have 45 days to find someone to serve as the Peter Creek District’s interim representative until the November election, when a special election will be held to determine who will serve the remainder of Harrell’s four-year term.
In other matters, the board:
*Approved the consent agenda.
*Approved the personnel report as amended.
*Approved certificated personnel report lists 1-5.
*Approved support staff recommendations lists 1-3.
*Approved the religious exemptions.
*Heard the superintendent’s report.
