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Board hears public hearing with seven finalists for interim Danville school board seat
Summary
Board held a public hearing July 17 to hear supporters and closing remarks from seven candidates for an interim Danville Public Schools board seat; community endorsers highlighted candidates' education, nonprofit and public-service backgrounds. The vacancy followed the resignation and death of Dr. Keith Silverman, referenced in remarks.
The Danville Public Schools Board of Education heard public testimony July 17 from community members backing seven finalists for an interim board seat.
Supporters offered prepared remarks and personal endorsements for Curtis Gore, Winston Harrell, Trina McLaughlin, Gary Terry, Sylvester Towns, Henry Walker and Charles McWilliams III. Charles Perkins, identified in the hearing as assistant superintendent for Rockingham County Schools for curriculum and instruction, described Curtis Gore’s work leading the SCORE Center alternative-learning program and said Gore "implemented supports that gave students a second chance." (Perkins’ remarks were delivered in support of Curtis Gore.)
Endorsers highlighted varied qualifications: Gore’s decades in local education and work with students with complex needs; Harrell’s Peace Corps service and local government experience; McLaughlin’s work in DPS as a coach and recruiter and regional workforce-development ties; Terry’s nonprofit leadership at the Boys & Girls Club and West Point background; Towns’ ministry and early-childhood entrepreneurship; Walker’s classroom and coaching experience and union leadership; and McWilliams’ long record in public education and prior board involvement.
Candidates were given time for brief closing remarks. Curtis Gore said he would prioritize individual student needs, recounting an effort to graduate a single student with special needs and adding, "Every student is important." Winston Harrell praised recent capital improvements and rising test scores, saying, "The school board is doing great things." Trina McLaughlin described her candidacy as a continuation of long-term service to students and staff.
The public hearing record includes many community endorsements and personal testimonials. The vacancy that prompted the hearing was referenced during testimony as created by a resignation and the death of Dr. Keith Silverman.
The board closed the hearing and moved on to the remainder of its agenda; the transcript does not record the board’s appointment decision during this meeting.
