Dr. John Jeffries explains resignation from school board

After 24 years, a longtime Williamsburg School Board member resigned at the board’s last meeting because “it was time.”

Dr. John Jeffries submitted his resignation letter, which was read allowed during the Board’s June meeting.

Jeffries, a local dentist, said that he joined the board after being appointed to replace Brad Freeman who had moved to Corbin.

“I am a graduate of Williamsburg. My mother taught there. My dad graduated from there. My grandmother graduated from there. My kids graduated from there. We are very tied to the city school,” said Jeffries. “I decided to apply and got appointed, and then, of course, I think in two years after that appointment I had to run for the first time.”

“It was time. You know, 24 years is a long run for a school board member,” said Jeffries. “I kept telling myself, ‘I’ll stay just a little longer and then I will step down’, but it seemed like every time a new superintendent came on they would say, ‘Why don’t you stay just a little longer.’”

During his tenure as a board member, Jeffries said one of the things he is most proud of was the addition to the school.

“I think the fact that we were able to get the money and do the new addition onto the school up there. The space was desperately needed and we were able to acquire some property, secure the money and get that building done,” said Jeffries. “I am proud of that.”

He said that if he could pass on some advice to the next board member it would be, “Whatever decisions they make, keep in mind that it is all about the kids. Whatever you do and decide, keep the fact that the children are what’s most important.”

Jeffries said, “I’ll miss my board members and my superintendents. I was lucky to serve with a lot of good board members and superintendents, so I was a lucky guy.”

Despite his resignation, Jeffries said that he will still be present at the school.

“I am still going to support my school the best way I can. I still help out, like at the football games, I am on the chain gang over there,” said Jeffries.

Williamsburg Superintendent Tim Melton said, “Dr. Jeffries has been a pleasure to work with, and I am glad that I had the opportunity. He has a genuine love for Williamsburg Independent and the families that make up the Jacket community. I appreciate his 24 years of service to the Williamsburg Independent School District.”

According to the Kentucky School Boards Association (KSBA), the board has 60 days to appoint a replacement after receiving a resignation. Within the 60 days, the board must formally notify the Secretary of State, the Whitley County Clerk, the commissioner of education, and the director of board team development at the KSBA.

The board must advertise the vacancy on its website and in the newspaper within 30 days of the resignation.