Appointment lasts through 2026, special election in November to fill term
~ PVN staff report
LURAY, Feb. 17 — On Tuesday evening, the Page County School Board appointed Britt Thomas to fill the District 5 vacancy left after the Jan. 12 resignation of Charlie Queen Jr., who had been elected to a four-year term just two months earlier. Thomas’ appointment extends through the end of 2026. A special election is expected in November to fill the seat through the end of Queen’s original four-year term.
“I care deeply about the well-being, safety, and development of our students,” Thomas stated in his application, according to a Feb. 18 press release issued by Page County Public Schools.
Thomas brings a unique experience in workplace management at Lakeside Book Company, with a focus on Environment, Health, and Safety, the PCPS press release states. He also currently serves as a Board member of the Blue Ridge Safety Association and the Keezletown Babe Ruth League.
“Every child deserves to attend school in an environment where they feel physically safe, emotionally supported, and free to focus on learning and personal growth,” Thomas stated in his application.
In November, Queen won a two-way race with 63.2 percent of the ballots in November — 1,039 votes — compared to 596 for opponent Ana Maria Mendez. There were nine write-in ballots. Queen resigned in January before even taking the oath of office after confusion over financial reporting for his campaign (see story). Queen told PVN he would re-apply for the appointment. PCPS did not specify how many applications were received for the District 5 seat. The deadline was Jan. 27.
An attorney representing the School Board will now have to petition the Page County Circuit Court to order a special election in November 2026 to fill the seat through the remaining three years of the full four-year term extending through Dec. 31, 2029. Thomas’ appointment in February will last through Dec. 31, 2026.
The Page County School Board also recently filled the District 4 seat by appointing Jason Breeden. He fills the void left in District 4 after Duane Painter successfully won an uncontested bid for the chairman’s seat this November. The school board is expected to also petition the court to order a special election this upcoming November to fill the remainder of Painter’s term through Dec. 31, 2027.
For more information about Page County Public Schools,
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