Brown won’t seek re-election to Rock Hill school board

Walter Brown, a member of the Rock Hill school board for 16 years, announced Tuesday that he will not seek re-election.

Brown, 81, was elected in 2000 and served four terms. He represents District 5, which covers the southern part of Rock Hill, from the Catawba River to the school district’s western edge.

“I just thought it was time to step down,” Brown said, just days before filing for school board seats opens on Monday.

Brown, who retired after a career with the former Rock Hill Telephone Co., now Comporium, and who held other positions in sales and management, joined the school board after defeating 16-year incumbent Mike Pinson.

During his time on the board, Brown said, the district has opened five new schools: South Pointe High School, Dutchman Creek and the new Castle Heights middle schools, and Mount Holly and India Hook elementary schools.

He also served with four superintendents and during several school reassignment decisions.

“Those are always tough,” he said of reassignments. “I would not wish that on any board, but it’s part of the job.”

Brown said he missed just one school board meeting in those 16 years – the week after he had triple bypass surgery nine years ago.

“The support I received from the members of not only the district I represent but also the entire (school) district has made those years rewarding,” he said.

This story was originally published July 26, 2016 at 6:04 PM with the headline "Brown won’t seek re-election to Rock Hill school board."