Vaden resigns from school board

    On Thursday, Bedford County School Board Chairman Dave Vaden announced his resignation from the board, effective May 18.
    Vaden cited illness and health issues within his immediate family, financial considerations and business opportunities that have caused his family to relocate.
    Vaden read his letter of resignation at the end      of  Thursday’s   regularly  scheduled  school  boardmeeting. He said he will continue to perform his duties until May 18 as the board works to finalize its budget and meet with the Bedford County Board of Supervisors.
    “I am grateful for having the opportunity to serve on the board for the past three years,” Vaden stated in his letter. “Bedford County is a great place to live and raise a family.”
    Vaden, who was first appointed to the District 2 seat in 2009 after Talbot Huff resigned, stated he is proud of the school system. He was elected in January to serve as the board’s chairman.
    “We have great teachers, administrators, staff, bus drivers, volunteers and many more dedicated and professional individuals,” he said. “Thank you for your service and the single goal of doing what’s best for our children.”
    Vaden has been an advocate against closing community schools during the past two budget sessions of the school board.
    Vaden thanked the residents of Bedford County for electing him to the school board and he asked for the them to continue to support his eventual replacement “in these tough economic times.”
    “I thank the board for their support and I wish the Bedford County Public Schools only the best for the future,” he stated, adding he was sorry for any inconvenience his resignation might cause the board.
    “Thanks to all for the many prayers for my family,” he stated.
    Vaden is the second board member to resign this year. In March, District 3 board member Brad Whorley stepped down citing his work. Last month the board appointed Dr. John Hicks Jr. to replace Whorley, following an open session questioning of the five candidates who had applied. In November, an election will be held for the District 3 seat.
    Vaden will serve through May 18. He attended a work session with the Bedford County Board of Supervisors Monday, making a presentation on the school board’s recently adopted budget. A new chairman for the school board has not been named. The board will seek applicants to appoint a new member and a special election for the seat is expected to be held in November.