Brentsville school board representative Gil Trenum announced Wednesday that he was will soon be deployed to Africa to command a troop of U.S. Navy Reservists.
Trenum has chosen to retain his position as school board member; however, he may help to appoint a proxy who will vote and speak on his behalf.
According to Virginia Code 2.2-2280 Reservists are able to continue to hold elected offices in Virginia while in active duty and may choose a replacement.
Trenum said he would like to remain in position, not only in name, but he hopes to stay in frequent contact with his constituents.
“No matter where I am, I want people to know that you will still have access to me via email. Although, I do love to visit our schools and meet with parents, students and teachers, 90 percent of my work helping constituents is done via email,” he said.
Trenum said he has not decided if he choose an "acting representative," but said he has contacted three people, all of whom had previously served on his budget committee, to assess their interest. None have previously served on the board.
To be clear…..I have not yet made my decision to request a temporary replacement, and I am not authorizing the board to appoint one at this time.. Should I choose to go the acting replacement route, I will submit these resumes to the entire board for its consideration, so the board has an opportunity to consider who they think they might work best with.
Trenum said he trusts the Brentsville community will understand his situation and be patient during the transition.
The Brentsville District citizens have always shown strong support of our military... I trust that citizens in my district will be patient and understand that I am serving them in yet another way. Things will be a little different next school year, but I can assure people that they can still count on excellent service. I will not let you down.
Trenum has been deployed to in Dijbouti, Africa to serve in“Operation Enduring Freedom.” He said deployment was completely unexpected and, in fact, his family is still “reeling” from the news.
He said it saddens him that he will be missing so many personal milestones, including his and his wife, Michelle's 25th wedding anniversary, his son Cody’s college graduation and his son Walker’s junior year at Brentsville District High School.
However, he recognized the importance of the job he will be performing, saying “it is an opportunity to serve alongside those whose daily job is the important work of combatting global terror and keeping our country safe.”
Trenum said many of his constituents know that he wears many hats. He works full time at Leidos and is a Commander of the U.S. Navy Reserves. He is proud to have served his nation for 26 years.
Despite the news, Trenum said he is “a fortunate man,” who has had the privileged to serve both his community and his country.
“This is going to be a learning experience for all of us, but I know we will all get through it with the dedication and determination that Americans have always shown,” he said. “Thank you for all your support.”
Trenum is the school board’s longest-serving current member. He has just finished serving his ninth year on the board and is in his third term. He has previously served as the board's Vice Chairman.
In Brentsville, he has helped open many schools in the Brentsville District such as Patriot High School, The Nokesville School, Piney Branch Elementary and Haymarket Elementary.
Trenum has served as Brentsville representative during a period of rapid growth and change for the district. He has helped reduce drastic overcrowding especially at the elementary level, and has worked to help eliminate overcrowding at all levels.
Trenum is known for being a fiscal conservative and has said he looks forward to budget season. He has championed concussion training for all student athletes.
Trenum won his current campaign uncontested.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Bristow Beat has probably written about Mr. Trenum more than any other Prince William School Board member, and he is always gracious and willing to speak with us. We sincerely wish him and his family all the best. Thank you for your service!
Support Bristow Beat - Donate Today!