The Beaufort County Board of Education elected Carlton Dallas as chair at its Jan. 6 meeting after nominations from the floor and a show-of-hands vote. Dr. Rodriguez opened the nominations; Dallas thanked colleagues after the vote, saying he would "be inclusive and professional" and work to "best serve the public."

Nominations for vice chair and secretary followed. Mister Carr won the vice-chair vote and Leah Frazier was selected as secretary after nominations and raised-hand voting. The board moved quickly through elections after members declined to hear candidate statements prior to voting.

Board members described the new leadership team as a chance to sustain collaboration. One member said the board should "coalesce around the winning vote," while new Chair Dallas pledged inclusivity and professionalism. The board immediately turned to routine business and public comment after concluding officer selection.

The meeting adjourned after community reports, policy votes and a brief public-comment period. The board plans follow-up work on agenda topics raised at the meeting, including a proposed policy on funerals in school facilities.