Outgoing school board members say goodbye

School board members Tina Bullock and Janice Kerekes attended their final meeting last week.

Bullock, who served on the board for six years, told her colleagues that she began her educational career 50 years ago, teaching at Orange Park Elementary School in 1971.

“My starting salary was a mere $6,700, but I was doing what I loved. My concern was not about the pay.”

Bullock said that while a board member, she has attended art

shows, chorus and band performances, spelling bees, math field days competitions and athletic events.

“I have been privileged to meet some of the finest students, families, educators and support staff,” she said, “truly the best. But Clay has always been home, and I wish only great hopes for its continued success.”

Bullock, who represents the Keystone Heights area, said that over the past few weeks, she had been honored by her hometown with flowers, notes and heartfelt wishes.

“And today I learned a scholarship in my name is in the works through my Lake Region Kiwanis Club as a legacy and commitment to area youth,” she said, “so thank you all for making our county great and here’s to my family trips, fun enjoyment and sleeping in late.”

Kerekes, a 12-year school board veteran, said she has served with four superintendents and 10 board members.

“Even in this hyper-partisan world that we now find ourselves in, we should always remember we are more alike than we are different,” Kerekes said. “We must never forget that our children are our future.”

The outgoing board member said that as she leaves, the school district has the highest fund reserve it has ever had, and it is ranked in Florida’s top 10.

“We have trained and specialized resource officers at every one of our schools, and our employees have received increases to both their pay and benefits,” she said.

“Thanks to the voters of Clay County for approving a 30-year half-cent sales tax,” she added. “No matter what happens in the future, this school board is secure in knowing that source of revenue will continue and even grow over the next 28 years. These are truly amazing accomplishments.”

Kerekes urged her colleagues to resist special interest groups and to do what is best for students and teachers.

“I’m excited to see what the next chapter holds for me,” she added. “I’m looking forward to spending time with my family and traveling, but no matter where the road takes me next, I can promise you I will always be a champion and an advocate for our public schools.”