Catawba County Board of Education swears in new members; Tim Settlemeier elected chair
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Summary
The board recognized outgoing members, swore in newly elected members and unanimously elected Tim Settlemeier as chair and Clayton Mullis as vice chair. Outgoing members Ron Abernathy and Annette Richards delivered farewell remarks; Judge Clifton H. Smith administered oaths to new members.
The Catawba County Board of Education recognized outgoing members, swore in newly elected members and elected new board leadership at its Dec. 2, 2024, meeting.
Outgoing board member Ron Abernathy, who completed three terms, thanked the community and colleagues for the opportunity to serve: "I have fought a good fight. I have finished the course, and I've kept the faith with no regrets of serving for Catawba County Schools and the Board of Education." Annette Richards also addressed the board and thanked staff and teachers for their service.
Judge Clifton H. Smith administered the oath of office to new members. During the ceremony, individuals placed a hand on the Bible and recited the oath, for example: "I, David Go forth, do solemnly swear...that I will execute the duties of the Catawba County Board of Education to the best of my knowledge and ability. So help me God." Newly sworn members included David Go forth, Clayton Mullis and April Underwood (as recorded in the meeting).
After swearing-in, nominations opened for board leadership. Dr. Stover nominated Tim Settlemeier for chair; nominations were closed and the board voted unanimously to elect Settlemeier as chair. Clayton Mullis was nominated and elected vice chair by the board in a separate unanimous vote.
Why it matters: Leadership changes set the board’s procedural direction for the coming year. The unanimous votes mean the board’s initial organizational decisions were made without recorded opposition, and the newly sworn members will participate in committee assignments and future policy decisions.
What’s next: The board proceeded to set committee representation and the 2025 meeting calendar during the same session. No contested leadership votes were recorded.
