Surry County’s School Board voted unanimously on May 28 to appoint Wayne Gholston to temporarily fill the late Laura Ruffin’s Claremont District seat.

Gholston will serve until a Nov. 4 special election to fill the nearly three-year remainder of Ruffin’s term.

“We are confident that Mr. Gholston will serve our district with dedication and integrity,” School Board Chairwoman Roxanne Marr-Shears said in a news release. “Mr. Gholston’s insight and leadership will be a valued addition to our team as we continue working to provide the best possible educational experience for all students.”

Ruffin, whom the board described as a beloved and highly respected longtime member, died April 28 at age 77, just over a year into her fourth consecutive term in office. Under state law, when a board member dies, the remaining board members have 15 days to petition the county’s Circuit Court for a writ of election and up to 45 days to vote among themselves on an interim appointee.

Gholston was one of two candidates the board announced a week earlier, both graduates of Surry County High School. The other was Delvin Jones. The board had solicited applications from May 14-20.

Gholston, an alarm specialist at Dominion Energy’s Surry nuclear power station, declined to comment on his appointment but had highlighted his community service in his application letter. 

He said he’s partnered with Surry County’s Office of Youth Development and is a member of the volunteer group “Men Empowering Young People.” Serving as a mentor to students at Surry Elementary School and facilitating the Boys to Men summer camps “has equipped me with a practical understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing our schools today,” Gholston said in his letter. “I am committed to listening to the concerns of parents, teachers, students and administrators, and to making thoughtful, informed decisions that reflect the best interests of our community.”

“He brings to the role a strong commitment to public education and a vested interest in the success of students, staff, and families within the Spring Grove/Claremont community and all who have scholars attending Surry County Public Schools,” the board said in its news release.