Ronnie E. Holden, a lifetime resident of the Eastern Shore and a product of Accomack County Public Schools, is seeking re-election to the District 8 seat on the Accomack County School Board in the Nov. 7 general election.
District 8 includes Melfa, Wachapreague, Quinby, Keller, Pungoteague, and Harborton.
“Our education systems are facing many challenges including teacher retention, affordable teacher housing, salary adjustments, healthcare, insurance, COVID-19 repercussions, student/parent engagement, plus governmental mandates,” said Holden.
“As a school board member, I have a clear vision of district goals and understand factors affecting student performance. Developing effective goals is important, along with keeping student safety and well-being at the forefront of our decisions,” Holden said.
“Our focus should be to create an environment conducive to all students’ learning and success in a global economy. We want our youth to be productive citizens and meet their career goals. I am a servant leader with a passionate commitment to student success.”
Holden retired from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore as vice president for administrative affairs, serving as chief financial and administrative officer and managing an annual budget exceeding $140 million.
He earned an Associate of Arts degree from Eastern Shore Community College in business administration and a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from Virginia Tech.
He earned a master’s degree in business administration from Salisbury University and a Doctorate of Education degree from the University of Maryland College Park.
Holden served on the ESCC Foundation Board and has an endowed scholarship there and at UMES for Eastern Shore of Virginia students. Holden has served on several community and professional boards and organizations.
He is a member of Gamma Theta Boule of Sigma Pi Phi fraternity and the Eastern Shore Men’s Outreach. He is a lifetime member of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity and the NAACP.
Holden is a deacon at Jerusalem Baptist Church.
“I believe my experience, education, and professional demeanor will continue to add value to the Accomack County School Board,” he said.
He attributed his leadership skills to the work ethic of his parents, “who were dedicated to hard work and living a Christian life.”
Holden and his wife, Brenda, have four children and live in Onley.
He said, “I take to heart for daily life the lessons from Marian Wright Edelman: ‘Be a can-do, will-try person; be reliable, be faithful; and finish what you start.’ I seek the opportunity to continue to work toward safeguarding our educational system, ensuring that every child from every background has an opportunity for a first-class education.”
The Eastern Shore Post will print at no cost candidate announcements for county or state elections. The announcements should be no more than 450 words, are subject to editing, and may include a head-and-shoulders photograph. Free announcements will not be accepted after Oct. 1. Email announcements to [email protected].
