Matthew Lambeth, who was first elected to the board in November 2008, said he is honored to be elected as the chairman. DON DAVIS JR. | HPE
In fact, Lambeth has gained so much respect from his colleagues that voted him picked him to be the board’s chairman last week. He is believed to the be the youngest board member elected to that post in Randolph County.
Grady Lawson, an 80-year-old Ramseur resident who has served on the board for nearly 40 years, nominated Lambeth to be the chairman.
Lambeth replaces Becky Coltrane from Archdale.
“I think he is there for the right purpose,” Lawson said. “I’ve watched him closely. His interests are for the best interests for the children. I think that’s what makes a good board member.
“I realize he is a young person, but I really believe he’s the kind of person that we need in that position right now.”
Lambeth, who was first elected to the board in November 2008, said he is honored to be elected as the chairman.
“I appreciate the confidence that the other board members have invested in me,” he said. “It’s a big job, but I’m ready to take on that task. ... I feel we have one of the best (school systems) in the state. I’m looking forward to leading it.”
Lambeth was inspired to run for the Randolph County Board of Education three years ago.
“There were three young people in my community who dropped out of high school, really didn’t have a very good excuse,” he said.
“They weren’t really encouraged by any of the people in their school to stay in or be a part of something. They weren’t put in any clubs to encourage involvement and struggled in their education throughout their experience in Randolph County Schools ... When you see somebody who has spent 12, 13, 14 years in school; that’s very discouraging to see them just drop out.”
As the board’s chairman, Lambeth wants to tackle the system’s dropout rate and put a reading program in place to put all of the system’s kids at standard.
“I really enjoy doing this,” he said. “It’s a great opportunity. I feel really privileged that the community has given me this opportunity and the board has given me their chief leadership position.”
dignasiak@hpe.com | 888-3657
Post a Comment
