Buncombe County school board member resigns; Applicants sought to fill seat

Buncombe County school board member resigns; Applicants sought to fill seat

ASHEVILLE – At-large school board member Amanda Simpkins resigned from the Buncombe County Board of Education during a special called meeting.

Board members thanked Simpkins for her service, and she received several of the speeches tearfully. “We’ve got some big shoes to full as a community here,” said Rob Elliott, Reynolds District representative.

Erwin District Representative Kim Plemmons warned she might get “emotional,” adding she has known Simpkins since the sixth grade.

Simpkins told the that serving on the school board was “one of the greatest honors of my life.” “I’m thankful to be in a county that values education and to work with county commissioners that try and bridge the gap to give our students, faculty, and staff what they desperately need and deserve,” she said. “My hope was to be able to somehow make a difference in our county. I’ll forever be thankful for the opportunity. I truly appreciate the support of the school board as well as the community as I made this difficult decision.”

Applicants sought to fill the seat

Following direction from Board Attorney Dean Shatley, the board voted on its process to fill the seat for the remainder of Simpkins’ term, which expires Nov. 30.

Buncombe County Schools spokesperson said eight people have submitted letters of interest as of May 20. The board’s next regular meeting is June 6. There are four seats open for reelection in November, including Simpkins’. Whoever is appointed to fill the seat would only serve through the rest of her term. Filing for Buncombe County school board candidates opens July 19, according to Buncombe County Election Services.