Donnece Henson, a resident of Harlan for over 40 years, was sworn in to fill a vacant Harlan County Board of Education seat on Thursday. Henson now occupies the spot once held by Brenda Henson, a board member of 19 years.

“You were a huge part of the board for your entire life,” said Harlan County School District Superintendent Brent Roark to Henson.

Henson told the board she enjoyed the time she spent with them, including all the work she had completed.

“I really think she’s moved this board forward,” said Jeff Phillips. “I appreciate her so very much.”

Henson announced her resignation earlier in July, with the board accepting her resignation during a meeting on July 18.

Roark and board chairmen commended Henson for her work, noting the diligence and persistence put forth for the betterment of the schools and especially the children of Harlan County. During the meeting on Thursday, Henson was presented with a commemorative vase for her dedication over the years.

After interviewing two applicants who had applied for the District 1 position, board members made a motion to appoint Donnece Henson, Brenda Henson’s daughter-in-law, to fill the position. She was sworn in after their meeting to conduct regular business.

Henson now occupies the seat representing Harlan County Public Schools District 1, which includes Catrons Creek, Grays Knob, Cawood, Cranks, Smith and other communities. Her appointment is for the remainder of the four-year term until the November General Election.

Anyone seeking the seat will have an opportunity to compete in the fall election, regardless of Henson’s appointment by the board. The winner of the fall election will also have to run for reelection in 2020, due to the seat’s regularly scheduled term expiring at the end of 2020. At that point, the candidate who is voted in will serve a four-year term.

Board chairman Gary Farmer noted board members represent schools within their district and the district as a whole and are expected to be responsive to their constituents and have a presence at community events in their schools.

Henson graduated from James A. Cawood High School in 1989. She went on to become an RN in 1992 and worked for Hospice before being employed at Harlan ARH. Henson is now the Director of Performance Improvement for the hospital. Henson is married to Garry Henson. They have three children: Garry Henson III (19), Samuel Henson (14) and Hannah Henson (13).