By JOHN LENTZ

Staff Writer

Moore County's Board of Education welcomed its newest member during Monday night's meeting.

Ben Cameron, who defeated incumbent Lorna Clack in last month's election, is a senior field claims representative for GMAC insurance.

"I am the proud parent of a second-grader, so the future of our school system will be impacting me on a daily basis for the next 10 years," he said. "I want to use this connection with the system and the area to make Moore County schools better for everyone."

Cameron, who lives in the town of Cameron, was sworn in along with three other members who ran unopposed in November and won re-election.

Kathy Farren and Bruce Cunningham were sworn in for a third term on the board, while Laura Lang returned for a second term. The three returning board members were sworn in by Superior Court Clerk Susan Hicks.

After the swearing-ins, the board chose its new officers for the coming year. Ed Dennison, a board member since 2010, was elected as chairman, and Enola Lineberger was re-elected as vice chairwoman. Lineberger has also served on the board since 2010.

"I want to thank Kathy (Farren) and Enola for their hard work as chair and vice-chair," Dennison said, "and I also (extend thanks) to all the other board members. I feel real comfortable with this board. I think we are all after the same thing and will work together to get it done."

Cameron, whose daughter attends Pinehurst Elementary, said he'll spend much of his first few meetings getting familiar with issues.

"I will be learning a lot in order to make informed decisions, and getting better acquainted with everything involved with the board and the school system," he said. "I am humbled by the confidence the voters placed in me and will do all I can for the children of Moore County."

Contact John Lentz at (910) 693-2479 or jlentz@thepilot. com.