Director of School Patrick Cripps, along with the DeKalb Board of Education bid farewell to two long-time board members during Thursday night’s regular monthly meeting, W.J. “Dub” Evins and Doug Stephens.

On behalf of the Board of Education, Director Cripps presented both men with plaques of appreciation for their years of service.

“I just want to say publicly that I appreciate Mr. Evins and Mr. Stephens for their service to our students, faculty and staff, and for the support of this board as a whole working together trying to do what is right for our kids and employees and for the support you have provided me over the last five years. Thank you gentlemen for your service,” said Director Cripps.

 “It’s been a long journey since 1978, but I couldn’t have asked for a better group of board members to work with. I would like to see these new members come on and support Mr. Cripps and hope they can get this new school off the ground. I’m really anxious to see that happen. The whole board has been great. It’s been a blessing,” said Evins.

It was the last meeting for Evins, from the 5th district and Stephens of the 6th district. They did not to seek re-election this year, and their terms will expire August 31. They will be succeeded by recently elected Jamie Cripps of the 5th district and Jason Miller from the 6th district. Their terms of office begin September 1.

Evins had two tenures on the board covering a total of 34 years. He was first elected to the Board in 1978 and served for three terms and 18 years having been re-elected in 1984 and 1990. School board terms, at that time, were for six years. After his mother passed away Evins chose not to seek re-election to a fourth term in 1996 but returned to the board after he was appointed to fill a vacancy in 2004. He was elected to a full four-year term later that year and was re-elected in 2008, 2012, and 2016. Evins also served several years as Chairman of the Board.

Stephens was elected to the Board of Education in 2012 and re-elected in 2016. He is completing his second term with a total of eight years.

In other business, Director Cripps gave his monthly update on personnel moves.

The following have been employed since the last meeting: Tiffany Bjorge, Educational Assistant at Northside Elementary School, Ashley Cantrell, Teacher at Northside Elementary School, Luke Dycus, Teacher at DeKalb County High School
Kaylene Ferguson, Teacher at Smithville Elementary School, Erica Garrett, Pre-K Assistant at DeKalb West School, Judy Malone, School Psychologist and Kendall Petty, Educational Assistant at Smithville Elementary School.

Tonya Roberts requested a leave of absence, while resignations were given by Lindsay Floyd, Teacher at Northside Elementary School, Brittany Page, Educational Assistant at Smithville Elementary School, Sandra Saracho, Teacher at Northside Elementary School
and Vicki Wilson, Teacher at DeKalb West School.