Applicants sought in wake of CC board member’s death

A search is on to fill the Charles City County School Board seat left vacant by the sudden, unexpected death of District 3 representative Henry O. Hollimon Jr.

Dr. Hollimon died on Aug. 8 as the result of a stroke. He was in his third term on the board having won the District 3 seat in the 1999 election.

“It was a surprise, and it’s a great loss,” Charles City school superintendent Janet Crawley said reacting to Dr. Hollimon’s death.

“He always did what’s best for the children,” she said. “Even though the decisions were sometimes difficult, his goal was always to put the children first.

“Right now, we’re just adjusting,” she added. “It’s really a loss.”

Dr. Hollimon was a retired educator who moved to Charles City in 1963 after accepting a job as an elementary school teacher. He advanced through the ranks, ultimately earning a doctorate in school administration and curriculum. He also was a former member of the county’s Board of Supervisors.

Dr. Hollimon ran unopposed for his first School Board term in 1999 after the incumbent, Charles Giles, who had been appointed a year earlier, declined to run. In 2003, he won a second term, defeating challenger Elenora Robinson 407-314. He captured his third term in 2007 when he ran unopposed.

School officials are soliciting applicants to fill the vacancy. Applicants must be registered voters and residents of District 3. The closing date for applications is Sept. 3. After the application period ends, school officials plan to interview each applicant.

Crawley said a request has been made to the county’s circuit court through the board’s attorney to allow the successful applicant to fill out the remainder of Dr. Hollimon’s term that runs through 2011. The seat would then be up for grabs in the 2011 general election. For now, no special election is planned, unless ordered by the court, she said.