During a special meeting Tuesday afternoon, the Columbia Board of Aldermen appointed Eric Lucas to serve on the Columbia School District Board of Trustees.
The 39-year-old is a Columbia High School graduate and works for Jones Companies.
Lucas replaces David McCance, who resigned in June after serving on the school board since 2012. The position is one that is appointed by the mayor and board of aldermen.
“I’d like to get someone appointed before the beginning of school, so I’m bringing this to the board today,” Mayor Justin McKenzie said. “Two names had come out of discussions individuals had with me and they were Will Houston and Eric Lucas.”
Ward 1 Alderman Wendell Hammond then made a motion to appoint Lucas to the position, and it was seconded by Ward 2 Alderman Jason Stringer. The board voted 4-0 on it as Ward 4 Alderman Mike Smith was absent.
In other action, the board:
• Terminated Harry Hammonds from his part-time position in the street department.
• Moved Theron Magee Jr. from part-time to full-time in the street department.
• Moved Demetris Griffin from part-time to full-time in the street department.
• Hired Fredrick Preston part-time in the street department.
• Declared a 2008 Ford Crown Victoria police car as surplus and will send it to auction.
• Moved a Ford F-150 from Animal Control to the Expo Center for use there.
• Moved a 2008 Ford F-150 from the water department to the street department.
The next regularly scheduled meeting is at 4 p.m. Aug. 7.
Pictured Above: Columbia Mayor Justin McKenzie, right, talks with Alderman Jason Stringer Tuesday during a special meeting. The board appointed Eric Lucas to fill a vacant spot on the city school board. | Photo by Mark Rogers
