AUGUSTA, Ga. () – The Richmond County School Board is announcing more changes in leadership after board members voted on a new president and vice president Monday night.

In a 7-3 vote, board members approved Shawnda Stovall as the school board’s new president for the upcoming school year. 

“It’s exciting. I’m happy to represent our board in that capacity. Excited to work with the new board that we have going on, and I’m excited to represent the Richmond County Board of Education,” said Stovall.

Stovall joined the school board to represent District 1 in 2020.

She takes her new seat along with 4 new board members.

Monique Braswell, Shontae Boyd, Mary Jane Abbot, and Samantha Valentine were all selected to join the board two months ago.

“We’re excited about the direction we’re taking. We all get along together so far, we’re cohesively working together with the same vision. We’re going to keep the main thing the main thing—which is these kids, and progressing our academic excellence along,” Stovall said.

It’s also been a month since former superintendent Kenneth Bradshaw announced his resignation after 5 and a half years, with Dr. Melinda Cobb taking over as interim.

District 6 Board Member Ed Lowery also getting a round of applause as the new vice-president in a 9-1 vote.

He was sworn into his role back in April 2023.

He says before jumping ahead to plans for next year, they’re looking to come alongside new board members and finish this school year strong first.

“It will soon be time for testing, other things, graduations coming up; so we’re just looking forward to everyone working together—even our community—-and making Richmond County School System number 1,” said Lowery.

Dr. Melinda Cobb will finish the 2024-25 school year as interim superintendent. 

School leaders say they plan to start the process of hiring a permanent superintendent soon.