Kathy Farren was elected the new chairwoman of the Moore County Board of Education Monday night.

Dr. Lorna Clack, who opted not to seek another term as chairwoman because of family obligations, nominated her. Farren was elected by acclamation.

Farren has served on the board since 2004 and was vice chairwoman from 2005-2006.

"I am honored to be voted the chair for 2009," Farren said. "It is rewarding to know my fellow board members have the confidence in me. I look forward to working closer with Dr. (Susan) Purser and her staff as we move forward with the building of our two new schools and the improvements on many other schools.

"The education of all our Moore County students is always the most important item, and I am excited to see how we can continue to challenge our students."

Current Vice chairman Dale Frye was re-elected to a second term in that position. (It was incorrectly reported in the Sunday edition that he was not expected to seek another term in that capacity). Like Farren, Frye was elected by acclamation.

Frye expressed his gratitude in being chosen as vice chairman for another year.

"It is an honor for me to serve once again as vice chairman of the Moore County school board," he said. "I am happy to be able to serve with Mrs. Farren, and I will assist her as I did Chairman Clack in making this another successful year for the betterment of our children, staff and citizens."

Frye has served on the board since 2002.

Clack summed up her feelings on her term as board chair shortly before passing the gavel over to Farren.

"I want to say it's been a pleasure serving as chairman this year," she said. "I very much enjoy the collegial atmosphere that has prevailed among the board and in our work with the county commissioners. We very much appreciate that."

Farren lauded Clack's service during an interview Tuesday morning.

"Dr. Clack has done a wonderful job this past year and she leaves some big shoes to fill," she said. "I thank her for her hard work I look forward to Dale Frye continuing on as vice-chair and working with him also."

Farren, Clack, incumbent Bruce Cunningham and newcomer Laura Kite were all sworn in at the beginning of the meeting. Clack and Cunningham ran unopposed in the November election, while Farren and Kite won their races by wide margins.

About 75 people attended the meeting, including family and friends of the four members who took the oath of office. Cathy McRae, administrative assistant to the superintendent and clerk to the board, administered the oath of office.

The Dec. 1 meeting was Kite's first since being elected in November. She fills the District 4 seat vacated by Joe Vaughn, who did not seek re-election to a second term. Kite is a self-employed accountant who resides in Whispering Pines.

Clack is a retired administrator with the Moore County school system and represents District 1. Farren represents District 2 and is the owner/operator of TCBY Yogurt in Aberdeen.

Cunningham is a Southern Pines attorney and represents District 5.

The nonpartisan Board of Education has eight members, five of whom are elected from the same electoral districts as the Moore County Board of Commissioners and three elected at-large.

Board members serve four-year terms, terms being staggered with four members elected every two years.

Other board members are Charles Lambert, representing District 3, and Sue Black, Dale Frye and Pam Thompson, who hold at-large seats.

Contact John Krahnert III at 693-2473 or by e-mail at jkrahnert@thepilot.com.