Board elects Joel Shores as chair, Aaron Bridges as vice chair; removes Marion Elementary sale from agenda

The Cleveland County Board of Education completed its annual organizational business at the Dec. 8 meeting, electing Joel Shores as board chairman and Aaron Bridges as vice chairman and taking several procedural votes.

Dr. Steven Fisher opened the organizational portion of the meeting under Policy 2200 and Policy 2340 and said nominations would follow Robert’s Rules. Mr. Blanton nominated Kenneth Ledford for chair; Walter Sperling nominated Joel Shores. The chair vote was announced in two counts: Kenneth Ledford received three 'aye' counts and Joel Shores received six 'aye' counts, after which the board declared Joel Shores the new chair.

Nominations for vice chair followed. A nomination for Danny Blanton was made; Gloria Sherman nominated Aaron Bridges. The board announced vote counts resulting in Aaron Bridges receiving five 'aye' counts to Danny Blanton's four; the board declared Aaron Bridges vice chair.

Separately, a board member moved to remove the proposed sale of Marion Elementary from the night's agenda, saying additional discussion was needed on recently received information; the motion was seconded and the agenda was adopted as amended by a 9‑0 vote. The board subsequently approved minutes from Nov. 10 by a unanimous vote.

Finally, the board voted unanimously (9‑0) to enter closed session pursuant to North Carolina General Statute 143‑318.11(a)(3) to consult with the attorney. The meeting recessed into closed session and no further public business was recorded in the transcript.