Radloff Elected GCPS Board Chairman for 2012

Updated Jan. 20, 2012

Louise Radloff, a Gwinnett school board member since 1973, was elected chairman for 2012 by board members Thursday.

Also, board members elected District I representative Carole Boyce of Dacula as vice chairman.

It is the ninth time as board chairman for Radloff, who lives in Norcross and represents District V. She replaces Dr. Robert McClure of Lilburn.

"It was a pleasure and a privilege to see public education work the way it is supposed to," McClure said at the December board meeting after being congratulated by fellow board members.

However, 2011 also was a stressful year for the state's largest school system. Controversies broke out over a redistricting involving the Peachtree Ridge and Duluth school clusters, news reports over questionable land deals, and inclusion of a Peachtree Corners charter school into the Gwinnett system.

Plus, there are ongoing budget problems: GCPS has said that it is facing a revenue shortfall of $89 million as it prepares the 2013 budget.

Also, 2012 is an election year for school board members. Terms end in 2012 for Dr. Mary Kay Murphy (District III), Boyce (District I), and Radloff, and so those spots will be on the November ballot. Already, . Boyce has said she will seek re-election.

However, , and that will eventually phase out textbooks in the classroom.

WILBANKS CONTRACT EXTENDED: At Thursday's meeting, the board approved a two-year contract extension for Superintendent Alvin Wilbanks. The new deal runs through June 2014. Wilbanks joined the Gwinnett system in 1996. "We've been very blessed to have your leadership," board member Mary Kay Murphy of Duluth said. "We thank you very much."