The Clark County Board of Education started the new year by electing new leadership at its annual organizational meeting Tuesday night.

During the meeting, the board elected Ashley Ritchie as chairperson and Sherry Richardson as vice-chair.

Board member Scott Hisle had also nominated other members Gordon Parido and Bill Taulbee for chairperson. Each declined the nomination. Parido said he anticipates this will be his last year on the board and he wants to give other members opportunities to lead. Taulbee declined citing other commitments outside of the board.

Additionally, Hisle nominated himself for the chairperson,

When it came time for vote, board members were tasked with choosing between Ritchie and Hisle.

Prior to the vote, Hisle gave a lengthy explanation as to why he should be elected, noting that he had previously served as chairperson. He said he worked tirelessly when he served as chairperson and would so do again.

Ritchie had less to say about her nomination.

“You know who I am and you know what I stand for,” she said.

Parido, Richardson and Taulbee voted for Ritchie. Hisle cast a vote for himself. Ritchie did not vote.

Taulbee nominated Richardson for vice-chairperson. No others were nominated and Richardson was selected by an unanimous vote.

Additionally, the board voted unanimously for Superintendent Paul Christy to continue serving as the board secretary and Aleisha Ellis to continue in her role as treasure for Clark County Public Schools and board treasurer.

In other business, the board set dates for regular meeting throughout the year.

The board decided to change the regular meeting date from the third Tuesday of the month to the third Monday of the month except for on Mondays which fall on a holiday. In that case, the meeting would be on the third Tuesday of the month.

Regular meetings will start at 6 p.m. and will be hosted at Central Office, 1600 W. Lexington Ave.

A complete list of official meeting dates was not ready at press time.