Hamilton County School Board member Everett Fairchild listens during a meeting in this file photo. Fairchild is stepping down from the board due to health reasons.It will be up to the Hamilton County Commission to appoint a replacement for longtime school board member Everett Fairchild, who will step down March 15.
Fairchild, 82, said Wednesday that after nearly 20 years on the city and county school boards, his health is forcing him to leave office.
“I just feel like health issues have reached the point that I can’t afford the attention and energy to the job that it deserves,” Fairchild said. “I just feel like it’s time.”
County Commission Chairman Larry Henry said the commission likely will appoint a replacement within three months. The appointee will hold the seat until the term expires in August 2014.
Fairchild, who represents the Hixson and Middle Valley areas in District 3, said he’s been in touch with commissioners about who might replace him, but he didn’t want to name any names until the commission announces the decision. His District 3 counterpart on the commission lauded Fairchild’s career.