Editor’s note: Tyrone Williams is not seeking reelection to the Halifax County Board of Education. This is his letter explaining why.

In 2006, I ran for reelection to the Halifax County Board of Education for a 4th 4 year term. One of my primary motivators was to work hard towards the building of a new Inborden/Enfield School. At that time the project was in serious jeopardy.  I was appointed by the board chairman to serve, along with Dr. Donna Hunter to a mediation committee to hammer out a deal with a committee from the Halifax County Board of Commissioners.  After several meetings, entailing several long hours and some very spirited debate, Dr. Hunter and I were able to come to a workable agreement with the county’s committee to make the new Inborden/Enfield School a reality. I am extremely proud to have played a very integral part in that beautiful, educational sound facility for our boys and girls.  In December 2007, we all cut the ribbon on this grand facility.

In late 2007, the majority of the board thought that the board needed new direction in the wake of the dire financial situation that we found ourselves in.  At the November 2007 board meeting, the board selected me as “acting chairman” of the board of education.  Though somewhat reluctant, I agreed to step up to the task of attempting to lead our school system out of the situation that was taking our focus away from student achievement.  Moving quickly, I was able to establish and revitalize several committees and plans (with the support of the board) to move us forward.  An audit committee was formed; a special committee to develop a new, more effective evaluation tool to assess the superintendent was formed,   and the finance committee revamped.  Several other initiatives to move us forward were instituted as well.   There has been much heavy lifting required over the past two years as acting Chairman and then Chairman.  I am proud to have provided leadership during this difficult time.

When Judge Howard Manning charted the course for our school system, I worked with Dr. Bill Harrison, Dr. June Atkinson and others to provide input and to implement our current partnership with the Department of Public Instruction. This truly is a partnership and should be viewed in that manner if we are to succeed and make our schools world class. It will take a lot of continued hard work by all of our communities and stakeholders.

Therefore, after 4 terms (16 years), it is time to move on. This will not be the end of my public service as I was taught by my parents, that “service is the price that we pay for freedom”.   I have been blessed and fortunate to have been able to lend my time, talents and experience to the boys and girls and citizens of Halifax County. I count it a privilege to have served and leave simply knowing that the school system is in good hands at the leadership levels. We now have the right leader in Dr. Elease Frederick at the helm.  Ms. Debbie Hardy is the right leader to heal the battle scars over the past several years and set the tone for the years to come.  May God Bless Halifax County Schools.  Thank you for allowing me to serve.  You are truly one of the great loves of my life