GAINESVILLE - The Alachua County School Board met for the first time since the election on Tuesday night, and they welcomed a new member and a new chairperson.

 

Former school principal Leanetta McNealy was sworn in as Alachua county's newest school board member. She replaces Barbara Sharpe, who she beat in this month's election. 

 

Longtime school board member Eileen Roy also won re-election to her seat earlier this year. After being passed over for the position of chairperson last year, Roy was named the new chairperson at Tuesday night's meeting. Both board members say they're ready to roll up their sleeves to get to work on the tough issues facing the county's public schools.

 

But as with any new beginning, also comes an end. Current Deputy Superintendent Sandy Hollinger announced her retirement on Tuesday night. She's spent more than 20 years as an employee of the school district, the last 10 as deputy superintendent. Hollinger's last day on the job will be next month.