THOMASVILLE, Ga. — Leah Smith quickly became the newest member of the Thomas County Board of Education (BOE) after an unusual set of circumstances resulted in a vacancy on the panel.

David Dawson, District 5 school board member, resigned effective May 4 when he moved to Brooks County.

Dawson’s current term would have expired Dec. 31. He qualified to seek re-election and had no opposition.

“State law allows the school board to appoint someone to complete the unexpired term if less than half of the term remains,” Superintendent Dr. Dusty Kornegay said.

The BOE appointed Smith to fill the eight months left in Dawson’s term.

The Thomas County Republican Party conducted a one-day candidate qualifying period May 2. 

“Leah was the only person to qualify to run,” Kornegay said.

She was sworn in by Thomas County Probate Court Judge Vickie Burnette at a Tuesday night BOE meeting.

Smith is unopposed for a four-year term that will begin on Jan. 1, 2019.

Smith and her husband, Ben J. Smith, a physician’s assistant at McIntosh Clinic, have two children in the Thomas County School System: Campbell, a seventh-grader, and Anna Kate, who is in fourth grade.

Smith, a registered nurse at Thomasville Eye Center, is a graduate of South Georgia State College.

She said it is an honor and a privilege to be appointed to the school board.

“I have always tried to be involved in our children’s education and have been lucky enough to have chosen a profession that allows for schedule flexibility,” the new school board member said. “In my time volunteering at each school, I realize that not every parent is able to have that flexibility.”

Kornegay said Smith has been active in the school system since her oldest child enrolled.

“She has served on school councils and parent advisory committees,” the superintendent said. “She is always willing to help however she can when we need someone.”

Said Smith, “Serving in this role will provide much opportunity to learn and grow. Through service and cultivating relationships, we will build on the successes of our school system as we continue to look toward the future.”

Each student must have the opportunity to allow for his or her success, she added.