By Pat Culverhouse

In what could be called a watershed moment for the Webster Parish School Board, more than half of the board scheduled to be elected this Fall will be first-timers.

Term limits will claim five sitting members, including board President Johnnye Kennon (Dist. 10). Other term limited members are Charles Strong (Dist. 3), Ronald Rhymes (Dist. 5) Linda Kinsey (Dist. 7) and Jerry Lott (Dist. 11).

While state law claims five Webster Parish members, at least two others have reportedly decided against seeking another term. 

District 4’s Robyn Guthrie, who was selected to fill the unexpired term of her late husband, Jonathan, reportedly will not seek election. And District 9 representative Jerri Lee has reportedly decided to not seek another term.

And at least one other board member reportedly will wait until qualifying period to make a decision. Qualifying is set to begin Tuesday, August. 4 and continue until Friday, Aug. 8.

In November, 2012, voters across the state in all 67 school districts overwhelmingly approved a limit of three consecutive four-year terms for school board members. Limits began with the election cycle following voter approval.

“This year, our school board will experience a significant transition, with seven seats becoming vacant. Two current members have chosen not to seek reelection, and five others have reached their term limits. This represents the largest turnover I can remember during my time on the board,” Kennon said in a statement issued Monday. 

“We are losing dedicated individuals who have devoted countless hours of service to our students, staff, and community. Their commitment has helped strengthen our school system, and our community is grateful for their service. I am hopeful that, following the November election, we will welcome board members who are equally committed to strengthening public education and ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed,” she said.

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