Co-Lin academic counselor Erin WilliamsonSmith has qualified as a candidate for the March 3 BrookhavenSchool District board of trustees election, and a formersuperintendent said she plans to file her paperwork to runtoday.

    Lea Barrett served as Brookhaven School District superintendent forsix and a half years, retiring in February 2010.

    Smith and Barrett, and any other candidates who qualify before theJan. 23 deadline, will run to replace current board president CaryAycock. He is not seeking re-election after 15 years on theboard.

    The lack of an incumbent in the race drew the attention of bothSmith and Barrett.

    “I saw the opportunity was there,” Smith said Wednesday of the openseat. “I’ve always believed in our community, and I want to giveback to the community.”

    Barrett echoed Smith’s statement about the open seat.

    “In losing Mr. Aycock, they are losing a wealth of experience,particularly with the budget,” Barrett said.

    Barrett said she feels she could fill the void left by Aycock.

    In addition to her time as superintendent, Barrett has 16 years ofexperience in the Brookhaven School District and 32 total years ofexperience in education. She said experience is what the boardneeds right now.

    “A lot of the federal stimulus money is drying up,” Barrett said.”The next couple years are going to be difficult budget years. Ithink I have a lot of expertise in that area.”

    Smith has a background in education as well. She works atCopiah-Lincoln Community College as an academic counselor,disability support services coordinator and Phi Theta Kappaadviser.

    The Wesson native has worked at Co-Lin since 2003, with one yearout while employed at Brookhaven High School.

    Smith has two sons. The youngest is not in school yet, but her sonBryce began attending Mamie Martin Elementary School this year.

    Smith pointed to her status as a parent as a reason she would be avaluable addition to the school board.

    “There needs to be a voice from the parents,” Smith said.

    The perspectives of educators, parents and community members shouldall be represented on the board, Smith said.

    Smith also pointed to her record of prior community involvement.She has served as president of the Junior Auxiliary and is USM’salumni association president for a five-county area.

    And with a son at Mamie Martin, Smith has become involved in thatschool’s PTA.

    But there’s nothing new about her desire to be involved in theschool system, Smith said.

    “I’ve always had passion for the public school system,” shesaid.

    The election takes place March 3 from 1 to 6 p.m. in the BHSgymnasium.

    County residents who live within the Brookhaven School District butoutside the Brookhaven city limits are eligible to vote. Qualifyingcandidates must also live in that area.

    Qualifying candidates must submit a petition to the district officecontaining 25 signatures from voters eligible to participate in theelection.