Amy Valentine took over as chairman of the Brookhaven SchoolDistrict Board of Trustees Tuesday night during the annual boardrotation at their monthly meeting.

Gwendolyn Sartin moved into the vice chairman position and Dr.Prentiss L. Smith became secretary, while Dan Brown Jr., and CarlAycock will round out the board member positions during the nextyear.

Valentine complimented Aycock for his leadership as boardchairman in the 2001-2002 year.

“I’m sure I speak on behalf of the district and the board when Isay we appreciate you leading us the way you have,” she said.

Other board members agreed with Valentine’s statement and addedtheir own sentiments. They also took the opportunity to recognizeRobert “Bob” Allen for his efforts as they voted to re-employ himas board attorney.

The meeting continued on a lighter side with comments about thesuccess of the Brookhaven High School dedication ceremony and toursheld Monday.

“I was very moved yesterday. It was very well done,” Allensaid.

Board members also thanked Superintendent Dr. Sam Bounds andother administrators for the “excellent” job they did in preparingfor the big day.

Bounds continued the meeting with several points of interests hereported to the board, including the BHS Science Olympiad teamwinning first place in the state for an unprecedented seventhstraight year.

He also mentioned the exemplary rating the district receivedduring the federal programs review last week.

The meeting came to a close with an executive session on astudent matter. The next board meeting will be held at 6 p.m.,April 23, at the central office.