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Priest announces candidacy for Mathews School Board

Retired science teacher John Priest of Port Haywood has announced his candidacy for Mathews County School Board.

Priest, 62, whose career included a 17-year stint at Mathews High School, is the first person to publicly announce for one of the three at-large seats on the board. Those seats are currently occupied by chairman John Persinger and members Jen Little and Lanell Jarvis.

“With the changing demographics leading to a decreasing school-age population and a larger senior population in Mathews County, Mathews County Public Schools faces an ever-growing challenge to meet its financial obligations,” Priest said.

Fewer students, he said, means fewer state and federal dollars. In addition, as the number of unfunded mandates increases, local school boards will find it increasingly difficult to comply. “Our school system can no longer depend on reductions in staff and faculty to meet those demands,” Priest said.

“Increasing the tax burden of the citizens ...

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