The composition of the Essex County School Board will undergo a significant change come January 1 following the results of last week’s General Election.
Three incumbents seeking returns to their seats were defeated, while a fourth narrowly earned reelection.
In a three-person race for the At-Large seat, former Essex Public Schools administrator Roger D. “Butch” ( Gross captured 35.4 percent of the vote. Incumbent An-
Johnson Sydnor earned 33 percent of the vote, while challenger Hazel W. Hickman received 30.8 percent. Unofficial vote totals were 1,622 for Gross, 1,514 for Sydnor, and 1,411 for Hickman.
Gross was victorious in three of the county’s four voting precincts (Greater Tappahannock, Central, and South), while Hickman carried the fourth precinct
North).
“I’m truly excited about the outcome of the election and even more excited about the work that lies ahead over the next four years,” Gross said. “The results mark a significant shift for our school board — a real change of the guard. With three new members joining two current ones, the balance and energy of the board are transforming. Of the newly elected members all three of us are educators or former educators. That experience matters. I honestly believe there’s no better group to help lead this board into a new era, especially given the community’s recent lack of trust in its leadership.”
In the Greater Tappahannock District race, former Tappahannock Elementary School teacher Jaime M. Gomes defeated incumbent C. Scott Croxton. Gomes received 50.98 percent of the vote to 48.3 percent for Croxton, who is the current School Board chairman. Unofficial vote totals were 495 for Gomes and 469 for Croxton.
“I am deeply grateful to our community and all the voters for your trust and support in electing me to the school board,” Gomes told the Rappahannock Times. “It’s going to be an honor to serve with the other newly elected board members, our school division, and this community. I am committed to doing all I can to help Essex County Public Schools be successful, and provide a bright future for our children.”
In the North District contest, incumbent Garlyn R. Bundy earned a third term by edging challenger William T. “Billy” Healy Jr. Bundy received 603 votes to 561 for Healy, according to unofficial vote totals.
In a prepared statement, Bundy said her victory “it is an honor I do not take lightly.” She expressed “deep appreciation for the trust, support, and belief that residents have placed in her leadership and vision for Essex County students.”
“Over the years, we have made great strides together by keeping our focus where it belongs, on the success of our children,” Bundy said. “Parents, teachers, administrators, and community members all play a role in shaping the educational experience of our students, and I’m grateful to serve alongside such dedicated partners.”
In a special Central District election, Charmaine D. Young- Waddy prevailed in a three person race. She will complete the unexpired term of Pamela Floyd who resigned earlier this year.
Young-Waddy received 53.47 percent of the vote compared to 31.47 percent for Angela “Angel” Jett, and 14.21 percent for Michael J. Breunig who was previously appointed to fill Floyd’s seat until the end of this year. Unofficial vote totals showed Young-Waddy with 632 votes, Jett with 372, and Breunig with 168.
“I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our community for entrusting and electing me to a position that has the power to shape the future of our students and the trajectory of our district,” Young-Waddy told the Rappahannock Times. “Your words of encouragement fueled the determination needed throughout the campaign and continue to inspire me for the important work ahead. You have placed your trust in me to lead with integrity, transparency, compassion, and a collaborative spirit—and I will do my best to uphold those values in every decision I make. Together, we will continue building a brighter future for our students and our community.”
The School Board’s South District seat, currently held by Christopher Hundley, will be up for election in November 2027.
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