Newton County Board of Education member Dr. C.C. Bates announced last week that she would be leaving the board in June to accept a full time position at Clemson University.

 Although we wish Dr. Bates well in her new endeavors, she will be missed not only by the school board but by the community as well.

 Bates brought a sense of balance to the school board and her educational experience helped the board make some very wise decisions during her term in office. Her concern for students was evident by the look on her face at meetings as well as by the pertinent questions she asked of associate superintendents.

 It’s imperative that the person appointed to serve out the rest of Bates’ term is a person familiar with education needs of the state and county — someone who fully understands that school programs are ever changing and that the need to provide our children with the proper tools to keep up with the myriad of those changes is of utmost importance.

 We hope the remaining members of the board will evoke Bates’ wisdom in searching for a new superintendant as well, as Dr. Steve Whatley also steps aside in June.

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