HOPEWELL -- The City Council last night reappointed long-time School Board members Ronald L. Caricofe and Juanita C. Chambers.

The council also briefly discussed a proposal to expand the School Board's membership from five to seven and set a public hearing on the issue for the next council meeting.

The Rev. Philip E. Andrews and resident Robert Bruce Thompson also applied for the board positions, but council members said they opted to keep the long-term members because of their experience.

Caricofe, who was first appointed to the board in 1986, asked the council this month for one last opportunity to serve, saying he plans to retire in 2011 after the completion of the new term. Chambers was first appointed in 1989.

Increasing the board's membership would be an opportunity to bring new, young and diverse voices to the board, said Councilman N. Gregory Cuffey, noting the qualifications of Andrews and Thompson.

Officials who favor the change also said it makes sense because it matches the number of City Council members.

Janice Denton, a member of Hopewell Citizens for Good Government, said she thought the change would be unnecessary and costly. The city is not big enough and most localities in the area have five School Board members, she said.

Cuffey said the salaries will not be a big concern. School Board members are paid $3,600 and the chairman $4,500.

The public will have an opportunity to speak on the issue at a July 8 public hearing.
Contact Luz Lazo at (804) 649-6058 or llazo@timesdispatch.com.