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Kind words mark departure
by Debra A. Golden, Wake Weekly Staff Writer
Franklin County School Board members were full of kind words and good wishes as they said farewell to three of their colleagues Monday night.
The board held a special called meeting and reception to say thanks to outgoing board members Johnny Alford, Don Lancaster and Randy Wright. Wright of Franklinton, who has been ill, was not in attendance, but his son, Aaron Wright, stood and said a few words on his behalf. After board chair Bernard Hall read a resolution thanking Wright for his 18 years on the board, Aaron accepted the resolution and accompanying plaque. "He loved being on this board," Aaron said. "He was excited about the growth in Franklin County and where the schools are going." After Hall presented plaques to the outgoing board member, he invited each to say a few words. Alford from Bunn thanked the citizens of Franklin County for allowing him to serve them. He said he was grateful to have served under such capable leaders as Russell (Gene) Allen, Dr. Carl Harris and Dr. Bert L'Homme. Alford said he is proud of the new facilities the school system has built in the last eight years -- two elementary schools, two middle schools and a magnet school -- in addition to new classrooms on other campuses. He noted that test scores throughout the county have recently risen and expressed his appreciation for the passage of the $30 million school bond. Alford also said he appreciated that his colleagues on the board of education could "disagree without being disagreeable." "I wish the new board the very best," he said. Youngsville's Don Lancaster is leaving the school board to serve as a county commissioner. "I have served with a professional group of people that I learned a lot from," he said. Lancaster said he has always believed that "you're lucky if you meet a couple of people who make a difference in your life. I've met a whole lot of people who've made a difference in my life." He expressed gratitude for the amiable relationship board members shared, and promised he wouldn't forget about the school board when he joins the county's board of commissioners. "It will take a joint effort to achieve what we need to achieve," Lancaster said. School board attorney John Davis, who will begin serving as district judge, was thanked for his six years of service. Davis in turn said the Franklin County Board of Education "has to be one of the best clients in the world." None of his other clients listened to everything he said, he added, prompting laughter from the group. He challenged the new board to see challenges as opportunities, not hurdles and roadblocks. Fellow board member John May thanked the outgoing board members for their inspiration and the outgoing attorney for "looking after us." May said he learned courage from Randy Wright, who, if he disagreed with someone, "would stand up and let you know." Johnny Alford taught him perseverance and reminded him that the board represents the community, May said. Don Lancaster showed May that the board does not exist in isolation and must work with other entities to achieve its goals, he said. May also thanked Davis because he said he did not only show board members the limits of the law, but let them know about the opportunities they had under the law. "I'm looking forward to working with a new board," May said.
Last Updated On: December 2, 2004
Copyright 2004 The Wake Weekly