Three vying for spot on city school board

By Staff
Clif Knight, Hartselle Enquirer
Three candidates have thrown their hats into the ring for a seat on the Hartselle School Board.
Member Jeff Gray is seeking reappointment to a five-year term on the board. Two others, former member and chairman Ronnie Abercrombie and Heather Roden, have also applied.
The qualifying period ended March 31.
City Council Chairman K. T. (Kenny) Thompson said the appointment will be made later this month after all three candidates have been interviewed.
Gray's term ends next month and a new term will begin with the board's regular June meeting.
All three of the candidates have a background in education, either through board service or training.
Gray, an attorney, is completing his first term on the school board. He said he's seeking a second term out of his desire to continue to help lay the foundation and secure the funding needed for a new high school.
Abercrombie has also served on the board, filling three years of his five-year term before resigning in June 2005. Abercrombie, who was instrumental in implementing drug testing for student athletes, resigned shortly after being replaced as board chairman by Greg Cain.
At the time of his resignation, Abercrombie said he felt like he had "completed (his) work earlier than expected and should move on to another project where I can benefit more people."
Roden is a Hartselle High School graduate who has a master's degree in education. She tried unsuccessfully to be appointed to the board two years ago.