Oregon Hill resident Maurice A. Henderson Jr. will fill the vacant 5th District seat on Richmond's School Board until a special election can be held in November.
The board decided Thursday night to appoint Henderson, 56, to replace Betsy Carr, who left last month after being elected to the Virginia House of Delegates. The vote was 5-0, with board members Evette L. Wilson and Chandra Smith abstaining because they had not attended Wednesday's meeting during which Henderson was interviewed. Vice Chairwoman Dawn C. Page was absent.
Henderson was out of town but commented on his appointment by e-mail.
"I am humbled and honored that so many people that I respect have expressed their support for me and more important for our children," he said. "We face challenges that are being experienced all across the nation, but I know that by working together, the citizens of our great city will enable us to move to the head of the class."
On Friday, board Chairwoman Kimberly Bridges called Henderson "an exemplary candidate" and said the board is grateful for his willingness to serve.
Henderson attended Maymont Elementary, Randolph Junior High School and Maggie Walker High School. He retired from Lucent Technologies in 2001 and is now in science education and public outreach for NASA. He also works with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Henderson was one of two people who submitted résumés to the board as candidates for the seat. The other person withdrew.
Bridges said she hopes Henderson will be sworn in to office today so he can participate in the evening's School Board meeting.
Contact Holly Prestidge at (804) 649-6945 or hprestidge@timesdispatch.com.
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