By John Allgood and Lizzie Newland

A greenhouse-business owner and a Chamber of Commerce executive will join the Rockbridge County School Board after winning unopposed races Tuesday.

Mitchell Shaner and Sarah Deacon, who ran without campaign issues, will replace two retiring board members.

Shaner will fill Jean T. Clark's Kerrs Creek seat and Deacon takes over Ronnie Campbell's South River district.

Campbell and Clark left their seats open after 10 years of service. Campbell has been serving as the school board's chair.

The Rockbridge County School Board has five members who serve staggered four-year terms. Both candidates ran at the suggestion of community members.

Deacon, who also serves as the executive director of the Buena Vista Chamber of Commerce, said she would not have considered running if she wasn’t approached.

Shaner, the sixth-generation owner of a local greenhouse, said, “I feel strongly that this was my time to commit to the community for public service.”

Both said they want to serve the community and schools are an important way to do that.

“We need to do the best we can … to make sure our kids are ready for society’s demands,” Shaner said.

Deacon, who has experience as a teacher, parent and PTA member in Rockbridge County schools, said she wants to give back to the schools.

“Education can steer the community in the right direction,” she said.

Produced by Washington and Lee journalism students.

Lead supervisor:      Prof. Claudette Artwick

Reporting supervisor: Prof. Doug Cumming

Editing supervisor:  Prof. Pamela Luecke

Technical supervisor:  Michael Todd