CENTERBURG — During a three hour long special meeting on Sept. 18, the Centerburg school board met with five candidates before voting to appoint Lori Jones-Perkins as the newest board member.
Jones-Perkins is a Centerburg native and currently serves as the executive director of New Directions, a domestic abuse shelter and rape crisis center in Mount Vernon. She will be officially sworn in at the board’s next meeting on Oct. 14.
Jones-Perkins was chosen to fill the empty seat held previously by Jennie Borton, who passed away in August. She will serve the duration of Borton’s term, which expires in the fall of 2021.
The incoming board member said Borton’s legacy inspired her to apply for the position.
“I have known Jennie Borton and her family for nearly all my life and she was a well respected member of our community,” said Jones-Perkins via email. “It was important to me that a female voice was part of the school board and that someone who has been a lifelong member of the district was considered for the vacancy just as Jennie had been.”
“Life sometimes presents opportunities that we aren’t expecting and rather than “hoping” for someone else to do the job, fill the vacancy, speak up, I decided this was the time for me to do that,” she added.
Jones-Perkins said she is looking forward to supporting the goals of the district, being part of a decision-making body, and learning as much as possible about the district and her role as a school board member.
