At last, all five seats on the Starkville-Oktibbeha Consolidated School District Board of trustees.
Debra Prince was sworn in as a member of board at a special call meeting Wednesday. Prince was selected by the Starkville Board of Alderman Sept. 19 in a 4-0 vote, with Starkville Mayor Lynn Spruill breaking a tie.
Prince was chosen over Sumner Davis and Lisa Long. The oath of office was administered by Notary Public Debbie Scire.
“It was strange,” Prince said. “I thought it was going to be a very run-of-the-mill kind of thing, but it felt good, and I listened to the words very carefully.”
School Board President Keith Coble said he was glad all the board seats were filled again.
“We’re meant to have five, and it’s great to have a full complement again,” Coble said. “We look forward working with Dr. Prince.
Prince was appointed to the board on her third attempt, and fills the seat left vacant by Anne Stricklin, who resigned in late June to join her husband, University of Florida Athletic Director Scott Stricklin in Gainesville, Florida.
Prince is currently an associate professor in the MSU College of Education. She has also taught in the former Starkville School District. She has one child and one grandchild currently attending district schools, as well as three adult children who are Starkville High School alumni.
Prince also got to make her first vote after immediately after being sworn in. The board unanimously decided to change the language in its resolution for the district to receive the second $5 million of the state of Mississippi’s $10 million contribution to the $27.5 million Partnership School, following concerns about the clarity of the original, which was approved during the September school board meeting.
“They didn’t feel like our language clearly explained that we were committing at least $10 million of bond money toward this project,” said Superintendent Eddie Peasant. “We have added into the language to submit to them today.”
Prince said she was ready to work with the board.
“I’m here now,” Prince said. I’ve worked at this for some time, and I’m having an impact on our school district. I’m happy that I’m here, and I’m going to make the most of this opportunity.”