Cooper to lead Berkeley County School Board

MONCKS CORNER — It didn't take Berkeley County School Board member Doug Cooper long to become the board's chairman.

Cooper defeated fellow board member Terry Hardesty in a 5-4 vote Tuesday night, four months after he was elected to the board.

Frank Wright, ineligible to serve as chairman because he held the post last year, was unanimously elected vice chairman. Jimmy Hinson was unanimously elected secretary after initially saying he didn't want the position.

Cooper, who won a special election in February to replace Dan Kingsbury, said he's optimistic about his new role despite indications it will be a lean budget year.

"I think we've got a lot of good things going," he said. "It's been a very steep learning curve, but I've had a lot of help. I think once I've gotten through one good budget cycle, I will feel a lot more educated."

Cooper was nominated by board member Jerry Prosser and received the support of board members who historically have backed Superintendent Chester Floyd. Hardesty, a frequent critic of Floyd, fell short by one vote, as has been common since he and others were elected on a platform of change.

Hardesty said he didn't mind losing to Cooper. "I think Doug will be a very good board chairman," Hardesty said. "He's very dedicated and very energetic."

Prosser, Carolyn Lewis and Donna Marino all have said they're not running for re-election in November. Those three members voted along with Wright and Cooper to install Cooper as chairman.

Reach Andy Paras at 745-5891 or aparas@postandcourier.com.