It was a quiet, rather routine meeting of the Lincoln CountySchool Board Monday night, but that was just how member BrendaWarren wanted it.

Monday’s meeting was Warren’s last, after she decided not toseek re-election earlier this year. Michael Posey, who ranunopposed to replace her, will begin representing District Five inJanuary.

Warren, who joined the board in 1990, said she does not regrether decision to leave the board and appreciated the support of thedistrict during her 14 years on the board.

Her career on the school board stretched through several patchesof growth and a few of conflict.

Warren’s proudest achievement, she said, was being able to workwith the board and the public to pass more than $5.2 million inbonds in 1998 as well as a $3.7 million bond issue in 2002. Bothbond issues established new school buildings and major renovationsat each of the county’s four campuses.

The most contentious issue to face the board during her tenurewas consolidation, she said. She is a veteran of two successfulbattles to stave off consolidating the city and county schools.

“I was against consolidation. I still am,” she said. “I’vealways liked smaller schools.”

Board members and central office employees held a smallreception for Warren after Monday’s meeting and presented her witha plaque and a gift.

Before Warren’s presentation, the board conducted routinebusiness – approving student transfers and examining the claimsdocket.

Superintendent Terry Brister did warn board members, however,that he continued to be concerned about next year’s budget and cutswere likely. He advised them to begin thinking of where they maylike to cut some funding to cover the expected shortfall.

“We’re worried about Gov. (Haley) Barbour,” Brister said. “We’rewatching that situation very closely every day. It doesn’t lookgood.”