Changes Made on the Northwest Board of Education

Brian Haskins, a member of the Northwest School District Board of Education, has a reputation for having a lot to say at school board meetings.

As he stepped down from the board Thursday evening, he didn't disappoint. "Did I talk too much?" Haskins said after he made some farewell remarks after being presented with a memento for his service to the school district by board president Sherri K. Talbott.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Northwest," said Haskins, who did not seek re-election this year when his term expired.

"My goals have been met, with the help of the administration and the rest of the board here," he said. Haskins said he will remain active in the district as he spends more time with his family and tends to his business, Antire-44 Haskins Storage. Next month he will be traveling to San Diego to watch his daughter, Olympic triathlete Sarah Haskins, make a bid to win a spot in the London Olympic Games this summer.

Following the Haskins presentation, the results of the April 3 Board of Education election were certified and two new board members were sworn in. Chris Shelton ran as an incumbent for reelection and was returned to the board. Victoria K. James, who has had prior service on the school board, also was elected.

The final tally in the in the Northwest Board of Education election was:

• Victoria K. James - 890
• Chris Shelton - 881
• Richard D. Meyer - 611

Shelton and James immediately took their places on the school board and listened to a program budget review conducted by Terry Russell, executive director of administrative services.

The board also established its organizational framework as it elected Talbott as board president, Nancy Bergfeld as vice president, Gary Bonacker as board secretary and Retta Tuggle as treasurer.