Brookhaven School District officials said Wednesday that theywere saddened to see Board of Trustees Chairwoman Gwendolyn Sartinresign, but they applauded the choice of former DeputySuperintendent Carl Holloway as her replacement.

Sartin cited a number of personal reasons for her decision tostep down after 15 years on the board. Among them were family,business activities and travel.

“I just needed to devote more time to family,” Sartin said.

Sartin said she had mixed emotions when the Brookhaven Board ofAldermen voted in November to reappoint her for a five-year term.In a recent letter to Mayor Bill Godbold, Superintendent Dr. SamBounds, school board members and board attorney Bob Allen, Sartinsaid she notified them that she had reconsidered theappointment.

“I just decided this was the best thing to do,” said Sartin,adding that she hoped for smooth sailing during the upcomingtransition.

The Brookhaven Board of Aldermen voted Tuesday night to appointHolloway to a five-year term on the school board. Holloway willtake office at the March board meeting, Bounds said.

Bounds praised Sartin’s service during her time on theboard.

“I think Mrs. Sartin has done a wonderful job,” said Bounds,adding that he is looking forward to working with Holloway.

Holloway, a former city alderman, retired as deputysuperintendent five years ago. He had been with the school districtmore than 28 years.

“I’m honored to be appointed, and I’m looking forward toserving,” Holloway said Wednesday.

School board Vice-chairman Dr. Prentiss Smith, who is in line tobecome chairman during routine officer rotation in March, saidSartin had done a real good job. He recalled that her motto was “Dowhat’s best for the children.”

“She always stood by that,” Smith said.

Smith commended aldermen on their choice of Holloway as the nextschool board member. Smith said Holloway is a good person who willmake the best decisions in the interest of children and thecommunity.

“I think he’s an excellent man for the job,” Smith said.