BOE Bids Farewell to Two Members

During its final meeting of the year, December 15, the Gilmer County Board of Education honored its two members that were attending their final meeting.

James Waters and Angela Thomas are both stepping down this month as the newly elected Board Members will be taking office in January. Both Members recieved plaques in honor of their years of service as the Board held a reception preceding their meeting. Superintendent Dr. Shanna Wilkes spoke during the meeting to say how much she would miss them and appreciated what they did for her as she came to the Board saying, “You both bring such insight to the Board. I have depended on both of you during my time here. Angie as a Mother’s perspective on our Board, always concerned with the students and James, also concerned with students, but also helping me through construction projects and knowing the community.”

James Waters has served as a Board Member since 2012, when asked about his time, Waters stated, “I think a lot of people who want to should step up and do it. It’s fun and you learn a lot of stuff… People just need to support this system.” He also left a piece of advice for those coming onto the Board stating, “Listen. Be the last one to speak and if you don’t have anything to say. Don’t say it.”

Angela Thomas has served as a Board Member since 2013. With her time in service, Thomas stated, “It’s just an honor to serve the people of Gilmer County and mainly the students. I have a passion for the kids, and I honestly feel like we are in a lot better place than when I came on the Board. It takes a lot of hard work that all these people have put in to get our academics where the need to be.” FYN also asked Thomas for a piece of advice for the new members. She offered, “Don’t take everything so personal. With controversial issues and a lot of negative comments from people, you have to remember its the seat they get mad at, and not you.”