The Carter County School Board is full again.
Monday, the Carter County Commission appointed Keith Bowers Sr. to the first district seat of the Carter County School Board.
Bowers received 18 votes, while other nominees Bonnie Peters and Wesley Greer had three and two votes, respectively.
Bowers will represent the Stoney Creek area and will be taking his seat after the resignation of Craig Davis, who stepped down due to medical reasons.
During Monday’s meeting, each of the applicants got a moment to speak to the school board about why they want the job and what makes them qualified.
“I was raised and grew up in Stoney Creek,” said Bowers. “I have been there for 65 years. I have run a business for over 40 years. I have made budgets. . .
“I know what problems this county faces,” Bowers continued. “We need to make sure our children have a place to work once they get out of school.”
Bowers said that there should be more focus on vocational training for students because not everyone wants to pursue a degree from a four-year university, and he pointed to himself as an example.
“I went to college, and I had a scholarship to play basketball,” said Bowers. “But it wasn’t what I wanted to do with my life. I knew I like working with my hands.”
Bowers went on to say that he has grandchildren in the Carter County School System.
“I want them to have the same opportunities that I had,” Bowers said. “I want them to be able to stay in this community and not have to leave to get a job.
“I think we all have to accomplish this,” added Bowers. “I will do my best and stand on my reputation. I have always kept my word, and I will do everything I can to work for this county and this school system.”
Bowers, who serves on the executive board of the Carter County Republican Party, is also currently serving as a commissioner for the First Utility District of Carter County. Bowers graduated from Unaka High School and attended Milligan College for one year. He attended the Herman Robinson Vocational & Techincal School.
Bowers will serve on the board until 2020 when the spot will be that year’s election ballot.
Also during Monday’s meeting, the commision appointed Robert Earl Stout to the Industrial Development Board. Stout was the only applicant for the position. According to Stout’s application, who is an Elizabethton High School graduate, he has 30 years of experience in business and commerce.
—During the public comments section of the Monday’s meeting, members of public sounded off on the controversy surrounding Carter County Sheriff Dexter Lunsford’s decision to revoke constables’ access to the department’s radio system and NCIC and TIES computer systems.
Four individuals spoke in favor of Lunceford’s decision while one person spoke against it.
Carter County Commission chairman Russ Lyons called an executive session so the commission could speak with county lawyer Josh Hardin on the matter. Lyons said he has directed Hardin to speak with a lawyer representing the constables in hopes of working out a solution.