After 36 years, four superintendents, eight terms as chair and countless hours of service to Hanover County Public Schools, Sue Forbes Watson announced she would not seek reappointment as Ashland representative on the School Board.

Watson made the tearful announcement to a visibly emotional board at last week’s regular School Board meeting.

Chairman John F. Axselle III accepted Watson’s letter of resignation, and expressed regret that such a stalwart of the school district will be absent from the panel.

“I would classify you as an education evangelist,” Axselle said. “Your family’s gain is Hanover’s loss.”

Dr. Jamelle Wilson hinted Watson’s shoes would be hard to fill. “Sue has a passion for children. She has a passion for music. She has a passion for people and that translates in to her care and commitment for teachers. Sue has a heart for people.”

Watson said she came to this difficult decision after long and careful consideration, and expressed a desire to spend more time with her friends and family.

She also plans to devote more time to the projects she loves the most, like the Ashland Musical Variety Show.

Watson’s voice will remain strong in Hanover’s education community. “I hope to use the years of experience working with outstanding educators, parents, citizens, business and political leaders and students to continue to be an advocate for quality public education,” she said.

Watson was one of the longest serving School Board members in the state, and she was the first woman on Hanover’s School Board when she was appointed in 1976.

A lot has changed since then. “Make no mistake about it. Today, Hanover County Public Schools are second to none,” Watson said in her statement at the end of the May 8 meeting.

Watson reinforced her belief in the importance of public education and applauded Hanover citizens for setting the education bar high and not accepting less.

“Those of us who have been fortunate to serve as School Board members in Hanover recognize that our community has high standards and that our citizens turn to us to meet and exceed those standards year after year,” Watson said.

Her colleagues on the board offered their good wishes and sincere regrets after Watson completed her comments.

Chickahominy District representative Robert L. Hundley Jr. said Watson burst the bubble on the idea of term limits. “There are times when people think that something should only be done for a certain period of time and then stepping aside. I can’t imagine anyone being more committed to a cause than you have been for the past 36 years, and it’s truly an inspiration for me.”

Watson cited her biggest success as the evolution of Hanover education into a diverse and varied system that fits the needs of all students.

“I am most proud of how our school district has invested its resources wisely to teach all of the children it has served. A public school system ideally does just that,” she said.

She voiced a concern for the politicization of public school policy. “Our nation and state have become sadly polarized on the value and quality of public education. At a time when public schools face more mandates and testing requirements, millions of dollars are being cut from school budgets each year.”