School Board Elects Former Woodbridge Rep. to Interim Position

The School Board announced their choice for the Woodbridge School Board interim seat and selected a Vice Chair at their Jan. 2 meeting.

The School Board elected Steven Keen as the interim representative from the Woodbridge Magisterial District. Lillie Jessie of the Occoquan District was the only Board member to vote in opposition, even after the Board held a closed work session before the public meeting.

Keen was familiar to the Board, having previously served on it for two terms from 1995-1999.

Betty Covington of the Potomac District praised Keen for his service to the School Board during those years and offered her rational for supporting him.

“I did serve with him at that time. He did a wonderful job. (He) always had the kids and students at heart, worked very hard, did his homework and always represented his district very well. He was elected out of the Woodbridge District at that time by the people.” Covington said.

Unlike other nominees, Keen promised that while serving as a representative, he would “not introduce any new items as an appointed member.”

This may have made Keen the least political of choices. However, in vowing not to introduce new agenda items, he also indicated he would prove to be less of agent of change to the Woodbridge Magisterial District for the interim period.

Keen was also selected over candidates who also offered a wealth of experience in the fields of education, public service and business. They also demonstrated their dedication to working with at-risk children, and involvement in the schools as parents and educators.

Before announcing the appointment of Steven Keen, Chairman Milt Johns thanked all the applicants, noting how qualified they were.

“We had a number of excellent applicants. Everyone of the applicants. I believe, is motivated by service to their community and to our children, and we thank everyone who participated in the process,” Johns said.

Having previously served as the Woodbridge representative, Keen is familiar with the workings of the School Board and his district. Keen also served three times as president of the Woodbridge Kiwanis club; is a father of three children, who attended Prince William Schools;, and has more than 35 years of experience in retail and training

Before the Board voted on the Keen's appointment, Dr. Michael Otaigbe of the Cole District was selected as the new Vice Chairman, replacing Lisa Bell from the Neabsco District.

Johns thanked Bell for her service, and said that next week the School Board would have a new seating chart to reflect changes. During Board time the members said that they looked forward to working with Mr. Keen.