Starkville-Oktibbeha Consolidated School District Board of Trustees member Anne Stricklin announced her resignation Wednesday afternoon.
Strickin said she would be stepping down at the end of the 2016-2017 school year in September 2016. Her announcement followed her husband, former Mississippi State University Athletics Director Scott Stricklin becoming athletics director at the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida.
Stricklin joined the board in September 2015, following the resignation of Juliette Weaver-Reese. Prior to serving on the board, she was PTA president of both Henderson Ward Stewart Elementary and Overstreet Elementary and PTO president for the entire district.
“I’m an alumna of Starkville High School, and I grew up in Starkville,” Stricklin said. It was just a huge privilege to be able to serve my community.”
Stricklin told the SDN she felt the consolidation of the former Starkville and Oktibbeha County school districts was the proudest achievement the board undertook
during her tenure. She said she served on committees relating to the consolidation prior to her time on the board.
Stricklin also listed work toward the Partnership School as an accomplishment.
Stricklin’s seat is one of three appointed from a pool of applicants by the Starkville Board of Aldermen. However, Starkville City Clerk Lisa Hardin said she was unsure of when applications would open, or when the board planned to appoint a new member.
“I truly appreciate the opportunity to serve my city, county, and my alma mater in this way," Stricklin said. "Starkville will always be my home, and I wish you all the best as you move forward to put the needs of all of our children first."
Stricklin said she planned to stay active in the Gainesville, Florida, public school system as an advocate and supporter, although she was unsure if she would seek board membership again.
“I think we all appreciate Anne’s dedication and passion for our school district,” said School Board President Keith Coble. “ She was a Starkville High Graduate who caed deeply
about the school district, and believed that we’ve got a lot of great things ahead of us.”