I am saddened to report the passing of John Baker, former member and Chairman of the Albemarle County School Board.
In my mind, the seat I am privileged to occupy on the School Board today will always be John Baker's seat. He was a good friend, mentor, and champion of our public schools. John Baker served as a member of the School Board as an appointed at-large member from 1984 - 1987 and then again as the first elected at-large School Board member from 1995 -1999. Baker-Butler Elementary School was named in his honor.
As a parent activist in 1999, the first school board meeting I ever attended was Chaired by John. He made a positive impression on me that day and ever day that followed. I had the good fortune to have John and Marie Baker's support when I decided to run for School Board in 2003, and I never would have been elected without his encouragement and wisdom along the way. Our community has lost a great man and a dedicated public servant.
Brian Wheeler
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