THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, March 4, 1995 TAG: 9503040451
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B2 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY ELIZABETH THIEL, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: CHESAPEAKE LENGTH: Short : 48 lines
School Board Chairman Jessie Lee Jr., who stepped down from his leadership post Monday, has also resigned from his board seat.
In a letter announcing his decision to other board members and the City Council this week, Lee cited no reasons for his resignation. He was out of town Friday and unavailable for comment.
Board member James M. Reeves said he tried to talk Lee out of resigning, but Lee was worried about his health.
Lee, 60, a Naval science teacher for the Navy Junior ROTC program at Booker T. Washington High in Norfolk, suffered a mild stroke last summer.
Lee, appointed nearly five years ago, was the most senior member of the board. His resignation leaves the board with eight members until City Council appoints a replacement.
Vice Mayor Arthur L. Dwyer said the council has begun the search.
The city clerk will accept applications until March 15 at 5 p.m., Dwyer said. Council members will review the applications, hold a public hearing March 21 and vote on a replacement March 28.
Lee's departure, effective immediately, comes as the board is entering budget discussions with City Council and is preparing to lose Superintendent C. Fred Bateman to retirement this summer. The board has chosen Deputy Superintendent W. Randolph Nichols to replace Bateman.
Reeves said Lee was demoralized by the process for choosing a new superintendent. The board was divided over a decision to consider only internal candidates. Lee voted in favor of that decision. Three people applied, including Nichols.
Other board members said Lee's departure would be a loss because of his experience and fairness.
``I was stunned,'' said Barbara B. Head. ``He's been a real asset to the board.'' MEMO: For more information about the appointment process or to get an
application form, call the city clerk's office at 547-6153.
ILLUSTRATION: Jessie Lee Jr. announced his decision in a letter this week.
KEYWORDS: CHESAPEAKE SCHOOLS CHESAPEAKE SCHOOL BOARD by CNB