Two familiar faces and one new face are sitting on the Clinton City Board of Education today. Incumbents Jason Walters and E.R. Mason, along with newly elected member Mike Lanier, were sworn in during a ceremony Tuesday morning.
Walters and Mason were reelected in March, while Lanier is serving his first term. Lanier is taking the place of Diane Viser who did not seek another term.
Before the oaths were administered, Clinton City Schools superintendent Dr. Stuart Blount called the day exciting.
“This is an exciting day for all three of these people,” Blount shared. “It’s also an exciting day for Clinton City Schools.”
Lanier, who is originally from Harnett County, works with Murphy Brown as the director of corporate accounting. Lanier’s sons graduated from Clinton High School and the newly elected member said he felt it was a good decision to work for the betterment of local education.
“Both of my sons graduated from Clinton High School and I feel I was in an unique and good position to run,” Lanier said. “I have been through working with Clinton City Schools and I know how things work.”
Lanier isn’t coming into the position blindsided. For the last few months, Lanier has been a familiar face at both the board’s work sessions and public meetings. Lanier said he wanted to be familiar with the current issues on day one and not have to play catch up once he was sworn in.
“One thing I bring is my experience and involvement with PTSO,” Lanier shared. “I have had many rolls in the PTSO, serving as treasurer. Being a CPA, I will be good for the financial side of things. I understand where they money comes from and where it needs to go.”
Lanier was joined by his family Tuesday morning, as his wife Kim held the Bible while the oath of office was administered. Lanier’s sons, Hayden and Kenan, joined their parents.
Walters, who is serving in his second term, served as the chairman of the board for the last year. Originally from Robeson County, Walters said he has a passion for children and working to fight for the right to an education for everyone.
“There are a lot of foundational values I want to see in the school system,” Walters explained. “As a board, there are things that we want to advocate for. I think it’s important for us to bridge the gap between the community and the local industries.”
Walter works with Schindler Elevator Corp. and he and his wife Jeannie have one son, Reid.
After 41 years of service to the educational field, Mason was sworn in to begin his fourth term as a board member. Having served on the board since 2004, Mason worked with Clinton City Schools as a teacher, administrator and coach.
“I want to encourage our board members, principals and central office staff to think about the children and do these things that can benefit them the most,” Mason said.
