Bill Pike sworn in as Henrico School Board’s new Tuckahoe District representative

Bill Pike, a former administrator and teacher in Henrico Schools, was sworn in Friday morning as Tuckahoe District representative on the Henrico School Board.

The Board, in a special work session Thursday, selected Pike to finish the term of veteran Tuckahoe representative Lisa Marshall, who resigned in August for health reasons. Pike was formerly principal at Lakeside Elementary School and assistant principal at Hermitage High School. He was also a teacher before becoming an administrator.

Pike will serve on the Board until a new Tuckahoe representative, elected in November 2019, assumes office in January 2020.

The Board made the selection from a pool of three finalists: Pike, Melissa Dart, and Marcie Shea.

“I’m honored to have this opportunity to serve,” Pike said. “I hope to be a quick learner so that I can start working to support our students, their families, our employees, and our community.”

“We were impressed with Bill’s experience and his capacity for teamwork. He is a consensus builder with deep roots in Henrico County,” said Micky Ogburn, School Board chair and Three Chopt District representative. “His experience as a principal will give a different dimension to the Board. We are confident that he will represent the citizens of the Tuckahoe District in an attentive and energetic way, and we look forward to having him on the Board and getting down to work.

“All three finalists were capable and dedicated candidates, so this decision wasn’t easy. We thank Marcie Shea and Melissa Dart for stepping forward to offer their time and considerable expertise. In fact, we owe a debt of gratitude to all the applicants, as well as to everyone who contributed to the process through public comments, emails, letters and in other ways. People in Henrico love their county and their public schools, and that was particularly evident during this process.”

Marshall’s resignation became effective Aug. 22 and the Board publicized a call for applicants, with a deadline of Aug 30. Eleven people applied for the position. After interviewing selected applicants Sept. 6, the Board settled on three finalists. Henrico citizens offered their input on the finalists at a Sept. 20 public hearing.

Pike was sworn in at Henrico Circuit Court by Judge Richard S. Wallerstein Jr., as his son, School Board members and HCPS staff members looked on. His first Board meeting as Tuckahoe District representative will be at an Oct. 11 work session at New Bridge Learning Center auditorium.