The Franklin News-Post
P. O. Box 250
310 Main Street, SW
Rocky Mount, Virginia 24151
540-483-5113
Fax: 540-483-8013
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William O. Helm |
Monday, February 25, 2013
By K.A. WAGONER - Staff Writer
William O. Helm, the longest serving member of the Franklin County School Board, will retire when his term ends this year.
"I have finished the race," Helm said. "It's time to give someone else a chance."
"I just want to step back and enjoy all of the accomplishments of our children," he added.
Helm has been the at-large member of the school board since he was appointed in 1981. Before 1995, board members were appointed by a selection committee instead of elected.
"You gotta love it to serve on the board for 32 years," Helm said. "We have a good school division and a super bunch of kids."
"As a whole, I would put our kids up against any others, anywhere," he added. "They are at the top academically and in terms of personality. Our kids are the best."
Over the past three decades, Helm has received numerous awards from the Virginia School Board Association (VSBA), which named him to its elite Quarter Century Club in 2006.
Now that he is retiring, Helm said it's time for someone else to share their ideas and help guide the school division into the future.
"There are many others who are qualified," he said. "My only advice is to never forget the kids and to take care of the employees."
"Our first priority is to provide a safe environment for the children and staff," Helm added, "second is providing a quality education." |
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