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The Suffolk Public Schools School Board appointed Karen Jenkins as the new board chair in a 4 to 2 vote on Thursday during the annual organizational meeting.

Jenkins and Board Member Heather Howell received nominations and in the initial roll call vote, the two received three votes, with outgoing chair Tyron Riddick abstaining his vote.

Following a five-minute recess, and a discussion of why members supported their nomination, the final vote was cast. 

In a vote of 4 to 2, Jenkins was voted as SPS Board Chair with votes from herself, Byrum, Brooks-Buck, and finally Howell, who extended her vote “in the interest of exemplifying leadership and humility.”

In the vote for Vice-Chair, Howell was nominated and received a unanimous vote from Board Members for her reappointment as Board Vice-Chair. Following the vote, both Board Chair Jenkins and Vice-Chair Howell gave comments together on their thoughts on the vote.

“I’m just excited and I am grateful for what we two can do together to continue the progress of Suffolk Public Schools: putting our students first and the whole dynamic of Suffolk Public Schools together. To move it forward to even greater heights,” Jenkins said. “We’re just excited that we’re able to work together collaboratively, be professional, and get things done.”

Howell agreed and expressed that they bring both “diversity and balance” to the table.

“We have different perspectives, we have common values, but there are other passions of ours that differ, but what we can do is collaborate, discuss, and compromise – for the greater good of these students and our staff,” Howell said.

SPS Superintendent Dr. John B. Gordon III praised both leaders while commending Howell for extending her vote to Jenkins following the tie.

“That’s the unity that this School Board needs and I’m so proud of what they both are and I’m looking forward to both Ms. Jenkins’ leadership and Ms. Howell’s continued leadership as Vice-Chair.”