By MOLLY DAVIDSON / Staff Writer

HOOVER—People filled the boardroom at the Farr Administration Building as the Hoover Board of Education bid farewell to longtime member and current president, Donna Frazier, during a May 11 meeting.

Accompanied by her family, Frazier was presented with a crystal plaque, a bouquet of roses and a portrait painted by a Hoover City Schools student as thanks for her decade of service to the School System.

City and school board members, both past and present, expressed their gratitude to Frazier.

“I’ve attended board meetings in the Enterprise School System from 1985 to 2010, and I can say Donna Frazier is one of the best board members that… I’ve ever seen,” Interim Superintendent Dr. Jim Reese said. “It’s been a pleasure for me to work with you.”

“I would be remiss, Donna, if I didn’t come and offer my appreciation behalf of the City Council and the city of Hoover,” Hoover City Councilman John Lyda said. “Donna, I tip my had to you, we thank you for all you’ve done for Hoover City Schools and the City of Hoover.”

Frazier has served on the School Board for 10 years. She is stepping down from her position when her term expires at the end of the month. Frazier will be replaced by Tuscaloosa County deputy district attorney Jill Ganus Veitch.

“Thank you for making me feel extremely special, not just for today, but for every day the past 10 years that I have served,” Frazier said.

Board Vice President Derrick Murphy was unanimously chosen by the School Board to succeed Frazier as board president. Stephen Presley was chosen to be the vice president by a unanimous vote.

Incoming Hoover Schools Superintendent Dr. Kathy Murphy signed her contract with the School System during the May 11 meeting. The Hoover School Board voted to appoint Murphy to the position during an April 30 meeting. Murphy will begin her position on June 1.