Northumberland school board referendum dies, board remains elected

Northumberland County’s school board will remain an elected body after 62% of voters on Tuesday opposed a measure that called for converting the board to members appointed by the Board of Supervisors.

More than 1,200 registered voters in the county petitioned the court for the ability to change how the school board is determined following claims that the board had financially mismanaged school finances. Last month, the Virginia State Police told the Mercury that the VSP Bureau of Criminal Investigation and Office of the Northumberland County Commonwealth’s Attorney were conducting an “inquiry,” or preliminary review gathering and assessing information to determine if further action is warranted.

In the contest for Board of Supervisors District 2 seat, Keith Harris beat out incumbent and board chair Robert Haynie with 61% of the vote on Tuesday.

Harris, who said he was motivated to run for office by the events surrounding the school board, told the Mercury he was still undecided about the school board option leading up to election day. However, he said looking ahead, the boards must work together to improve the county.



https://virginiamercury.com/briefs/northumberland-school-board-referendum-dies-board-remains-elected/