New District 4 school board member

Members of the Pike County board of education, with the exception of Dr. William Bell who was not present, interviewed and appointed a new school board member to fill the seat vacated by Superior Court Judge Tommy Hankinson. Charles Garrard was appointed for the District 4 seat after he and two other applicants were interviewed by board members Sept. 23. ’Mr. Garrard has many decades of experience. Over the many years he has developed wisdom only first-hand experience can bring. He knows the community and understands the intricacies of public education,’ said superintendent Dr. Michael Duncan. ‘His common-sense approach will make him a valuable team member.’Garrard is a veteran educator, having spent 32 years as a teacher, coach and administrator and retiring in 2006 as principal of the high school. Garrard received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia and earned his master’s degree from Columbus State University. His wife, the late Brenda Garrard, also worked for many years for school system. Two of his children teach in the Pike school system and he has two grandchildren who attend public school in Pike.Garrard was sworn into office by Probate Judge Lynn Brandenburg Wednesday, Sept. 25, in the county courtroom. His first school board meeting as a District 4 board member will be Tuesday, Oct. 15. The District 4 board of education seat will be up for election 2014. Previously held by Walter James ‘Jim’ Brooks, it was vacated by Superior Court Judge Tommy Hankinson Friday, Aug. 28, due to a lawsuit filed by Robert E. Adams Jr. Adams was one of the three applicants interviewed for the District 4 seat.