By Lily Mott
Lexington City School Board members will be elected rather than appointed by City Council following the results of the school board referendum Tuesday.
With three out of four precincts reporting as of late Tuesday night, 1,213 or 62.88% voted “yes” to pass the referendum.
“It’s not all going to change over in one day, so it allows some time for adaptation,” Lexington City Schools parent Janice Friend said.
The first school board elections will be held in November 2024, with board members starting their terms in January 2025.
“For the first several years, the school board actually won’t see any difference,” Lexington City School Board Chair Tim Diette said.
The referendum was added to the ballot this year following concerns about the school board’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic.
Lexington City was among the last appointed school boards in Virginia. Lexington joins the Buena Vista and Rockbridge County school boards, which are both elected.