Jerry Woods has been appointed to represent the Peters Creek District on the Patrick County School Board until the November election.
The school board appointed Woods during its June 23 meeting. He was the only candidate presented for the position at a June 15 special called meeting.
The winner of the November election will serve the remaining year of the four-year term.
Woods said he decided to seek the interim appointment because he wants to support local students.
“I’ve been a substitute bus driver for about 10 years, and I also started substitute teaching this year,” he said. “The children are the main thing. They’re our future, and I talked with Mr. Wood (Schools Superintendent Dr. Jason Wood) about it, and I told him I would try for him and try to represent my district the best I can.”
Woods said he also plans to run for the seat in November.
“I want to give the last year of it a chance, and then from there I’ll decide if I want to run for a four-year term or not,” he said.
Because he had not yet attended a school board meeting when interviewed, Woods said he wants to spend time learning about the role before identifying priorities.
“I’m new at this, and I’ve got to get in and learn and see what all is going on,” he said. “But as of right now, I don’t have any concerns or anything. I think the school system is running pretty smoothly right now.”
His first school board meeting is scheduled for July 14.
“I’m coming in as green as green can be,” he said with a laugh.
Woods said his family has been supportive of both his appointment and his plans to seek election.
“I went by the registrar’s office earlier this week, got everything I needed to get my signatures and paperwork to run,” he said. “I think I have until the middle of next month to get everything back to the registrar’s office, so I will be getting out to the community … and get my name out there and everything.”
A graduate of Patrick County High School, Woods has worked at Moody’s Funeral Home for 20 years. He previously worked at Lowe’s Foods for 10 years, with Regional One EMS and as an emergency medical technician at the local hospital.
He also volunteered with the JEB Stuart Volunteer Rescue Squad for 19 years.
In his free time, Woods enjoys watching his daughter play sports, bowling and spending time outdoors.
