BILLY BLACKWELL The Cherokee County School Board could have another chairman Monday at 7 p.m. when it meets to elect new officers.

School trustee Billy Blackwell confirmed Friday several board members have asked him to be the chairman. Current school board chairman Donnie Lee Smith has indicated an interest in continuing to serve as board chairman.

"I will serve in any capacity on the school board," Smith said.

New officers will be elected as part of a board reorganization done every two years following each school election. In addition to chairman, school trustees will elect a vice chairman and secretary.

New school trustees Cheryll Smith and Jamie Martin will be sworn in for a 4-year school board term. Cheryll Smith replaces longtime board member Ola Copeland, who passed away unexpectedly last fall.

Incumbents Willie Crosby, Donnie Lee Smith and Blackwell will join the new school board members in taking the oath of office.

Trustees will receive an update on the district's $33 million school building program. The Cherokee Community Learning Center, Gaffney High ninth grade addition, and a Gaffney High stadium and track were completed this summer.

DONNIE LEE SMITH Blackwell expressed concern that no time was scheduled for school board members to walk through the new buildings before school opened. Each school building is under a one year warranty.

"I'm not in favor of closing out the projects until the board members have a chance to look at the school buildings and see what needs to be fixed," Blackwell said.

In one example, a drainage problem by the new Blacksburg High ninth grade addition nearly caused flooding in the school's auditorium. The district has met with Blacksburg High ninth grade contractor Randolph Builders to discuss possible solutions for correcting the drainage problem.