Clark County holds public hearing on Buck Marsh school-board candidates; special meeting set for Aug. 4

The Clarke County School Board held a public hearing July 28 on three candidates to fill the Buck Marsh District vacancy and announced a special meeting for Aug. 4 to name a successor.

The hearing drew eight members of the public who spoke in favor of Lindy Davenport, while one candidate, Audra Graves, addressed the board about her qualifications. The board chair opened the floor for comment and reminded speakers that audience remarks were requested to be limited to three minutes.

Supporters emphasized Davenport’s generational perspective and technical skills. Tony Reynolds, a Berryville resident, said he would “lend my support to Lindy Davenport. She’s a very talented and accomplished individual and I think that she has the right skill set to fit in with the Board of Education.” Alyssa Moody, who identified herself as a local educator, said, “I unequivocally support Lindy,” and praised Davenport’s focus on career readiness, early-teacher mentorship and technology integration. Several other residents — including Mary Tilka, Joanne Spano, James Davenport and Kaye Bridal — described personal knowledge of Davenport, her local roots and the value of younger representation on the board.

Audra Graves, who identified herself to the board as a Buck Marsh candidate, outlined her background in local schools and substitute teaching, her degree from Virginia Tech and her work running a small business. “I’d be honored to serve as the Buck Marsh representative and to work alongside you in strengthening the schools that are the heart of our community,” Graves said, adding that she wants Clark County Schools to be “welcoming, supportive and forward thinking.”

Shane Boswell, a Buck Marsh resident who said he is running for the House of Delegates, urged the board to consider candidates’ data and workforce skills and described Davenport as someone he would “hire in a heartbeat.” The transcript lists three candidates for the vacancy — Lindy Davenport, Audra (identified in the record as both “Grama” and “Graves”) and Mike Site — but Mike Site did not speak during the public hearing. The board’s chair said the three candidates had been interviewed the previous week and that the board would meet in special session on Monday, Aug. 4, to appoint a successor to represent the Buck Marsh District.

No vote to appoint a member occurred at the July 28 hearing; the meeting served as the public comment portion of the appointment process. The board adjourned after closing public comment and setting the Aug. 4 special meeting.

The Clarke County School Board will consider the appointment at its Aug. 4 special meeting; the transcript did not specify the time or whether the appointment will be by roll-call vote or other procedure.