New Leadership on School Board

There was a shakeup this week on the Douglas County Board of Education.

Janet Kelley from District 3, was unanimously named chairman Tuesday night, and former Chairman Jeff Morris, District 5, was named vice chair, according to the Douglas County Sentinel.

The vote on Morris being vice chair was 3-2 with D.T. Jackson, who was also nominated for vice chair, voting against it and Mike Miller abstaining.

Jackson, District 2, told the Sentinel he was upset by the vote, saying he thought he had angered several board members in the past.

“There have been some disagreements,” Jackson told the Sentinel. “We need to start accepting change, because change comes every day.”

Kelley's rise to chairman began last year when she filled the vice chairman spot after Dr. Sam Haskell, District 4, resigned.

“Kelley will be wonderful,” Haskell told the Sentinel. “I think the fact that we have a former teacher, and also a woman, as chair will be great for the board. Teachers will be hearing one of their own.”