School board votes to begin accepting applications for Pridgen’s seat

Members of the Wayne County School Board paved the way for filling the void left by the recent death of their longest-tenured colleague Monday evening.

Make no mistake. They know there is no replacing Rick Pridgen.

But his seat on the board will be filled, nonetheless.

So, the remaining board members agreed to follow a similar procedure to the one they used to replace Raymond Smith when he was elected to serve in the legislature — requiring those interested to fill out applications, submit three references and answer questions during a formal interview.

They also set a timeline for the application process — the window will open Wednesday, February 26, and close Wednesday, March 11.

More than a week later, to ensure they have the opportunity to properly vet the applicants, the board will then hold a special meeting to review the applications and agree on the questions they will ask of those who throw their names into the hat.

That meeting is currently scheduled for March 19 at 11 a.m.

The application will be available on waynecountyschools.org beginning Wednesday.