School Board Chairman Darrell Pennell has been sworn in as president of the North Carolina School Boards Association (NCSBA). The swearing in ceremony was held in November at the NCSBA 53^rd Annual Conference in Greensboro.

“I am honored to hold this statewide position,” Pennell said. “I think it is a unique opportunity to represent Caldwell County Schools, while continuing to provide resources and support to all school districts in North Carolina.”

Presented at the conference was the entire new slate of NCSBA officers that will serve a one-year term. Pennell completed his service as president-elect on the Board of Directors and, during this time, had the opportunity to learn more about the organization’s mission and goals.

“I have become more aware of what the organization does and look forward to this new leadership role,” Pennell said.

He added that the state association officially ended its support of the National School Board Association and has become a charter member of a new organization entitled the Consortium of State School Boards Association (COSSBA), a non-partisan national alliance for supporting state school boards. Currently, 22 states are members and more are expected to join, according to Pennell.

As a Caldwell County Schools Board of Education member for more than 10 years, Pennell has served as chairman of the board since 2011.

The NCSBA board of directors establishes the mission and goals for the association and ensures that activities and programs remain focused on these goals. In addition, the officers and directors are the personal communication link between their regions and the association.

About NCSBA

NCSBA was established in 1937 as an advocate for public school education. It is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership association that represents all 115 local boards of education in the state and the Board of Education of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Nation. NCSBA’s mission is to provide leadership and services that enable local boards of education to govern effectively.

About the Caldwell County Board of Education

The board members are elected at large and serve for four-year terms, which are staggered in elections that are held every two years. Board members’ primary responsibilities include approval of school policies, budget, and personnel and they serve as advocates for public education.