(Feb. 6, 2015) Newly elected Worcester County Board of Education members, William Gordy and Eric Cropper, took an Oath of Office on Jan. 20.
Gordy and generations of his family have completed or still go to school in the Worcester County system. In addition, Gordy taught criminal justice and forensic science at Worcester Technical High School for more than 17 years.
“Besides my family, there is nothing else I’ve enjoyed more in life than teaching,” Gordy said.
Gordy, born and raised in Snow Hill, believes being a lifelong resident of Worcester County will help with his board member duties.
“I am a valuable member because I’ve been a part of the system as an educator,” Gordy said. “I want to continue to have an excellent system and do what I can to maintain and improve.”
Gordy said he has a broad-based agenda and isn’t focused on any single issue. His main priority is to provide a quality, high-level education for students and a positive work environment for teachers and staff.
“I am excited to be a part of a leading team on the Worcester school board and welcome any input from the public. I am happy to listen and will be receptive of what people have to offer,” Gordy said.
Cropper is another life-long resident of Worcester County and has been through the entire school system as well. He attended Bishopville Elementary, Showell Elementary School and went on to graduate from Stephen Decatur High School.
“I am excited to be a member of the Worcester County school board and I am thankful for all of the support that I received during the election,” Cropper said. “Now that I have been sworn in I am looking forward to working to maintain the quality of education in our schools, improve school safety procedures and always justify spending through common-sense decision making.”
Cropper named the construction of a new Showell Elementary School as one of his biggest priorities. He said he had a wonderful experience at SES and understands the importance of a new school.
“I look forward to working with fellow board members and the commissioners to make sure this project stays on track and continues moving forward,” Cropper said.
Currently, Cropper has three children, ages 12, 10 and 8, that are a part of the public school system in Worcester County. He said is important for him to make sure his children and their classmates are given the necessary tools to succeed long after they have left Worcester’s school system.
“As a proud graduate of Stephen Decatur High School I know firsthand the quality of our schools. I am concerned because education today faces a number of challenges, from changes in standards and assessments to funding issues, and I am ready to work with the board members to keep the students’ best interests at heart,” Cropper said.
“I want to build a bridge between parents, educators, administrators and our county commissioners,” Cropper continued. “We may not always agree on every issue, but I will listen to all sides and examine the entirety of every issue. As a board member I will always be open to answering the public’s questions and listening to their concerns.”
