Granville County Schools elects Vicky Baker chair, Danielle Hayes vice chair

The Granville County Schools Board of Education elected Vicky Baker as board chair and Danielle Hayes as vice chair during its December meeting, and outlined steps to increase transparency in governance. The board chose Baker in a voice vote that the chair’s office reported as 6–0 in favor; Danielle Hayes was later confirmed as vice chair after repeated balloting and a roll-call-style process.

The new leadership intends to change how committees report to the full board. "Beginning in February, committee chairs will provide a brief update at each monthly board meeting to share significant topics discussed and keep the public informed," Vice Chair Danielle Hayes said, outlining a plan to form a board advisory committee with a parent or community representative from each attendance zone. Hayes said the advisory group will "identify key issues and collaborate with us on solutions that fall within board authority, such as policy changes, budget priorities, and long-term planning."

Superintendent Ben Whitmore publicly thanked outgoing leadership for their service and praised the new officers. Whitmore also noted logistical improvements for board meetings, including committee reassignments and an intention to make board work "more transparent for the families and the communities that we serve."

The leadership changes took place amid a packed agenda that included an audit presentation, budget planning, and a contentious conversation about school consolidation. Chair Baker said she looked forward to working with the board "to set the tone for strong governance for our school district."

Board members who spoke during the organizational portion stressed the emotional weight of upcoming decisions and reiterated a commitment to put students first while balancing fiscal constraints. The board gave no additional action related to leadership roles beyond procedural changes to committee reporting and the advisory committee plan. The board adjourned following full consideration of all agenda items.