The Dawson County Board of Education has a new chair and vice chair for the 2014 calendar year.

During the Jan. 13 meeting, board member Elaine Wilson nominated members Roger Slaton as chair and Will Wade as vice-chair.

The motion was seconded by Cecil Bennett and unanimously approved.

Traditionally, the school board swaps out the roles as a new year comes up. This year would have been Bennett's turn as chair. However, he declined the opportunity.

After more than 35 years on the school board, Bennett has decided not to run for another term, citing health issues.

"If my health would hold out, I'd fight [Roger] for the job," Bennett said jokingly during the meeting.

Both incoming officers made the evening about Bennett instead of themselves.

"[Cecil] has put a lot of work into the board - many, many years. We've been talking for months and I told him that if he would serve, we'd all help him," said incoming Chair Roger Slaton. "But he doesn't think he should. We all appreciate him so much."

Wade echoed Slaton's sentiments.

"What you do matters. You've been doing it a long time," Wade said. "You made a difference in the lives ... of many. Roger may be chair this year, but you are the epitome of any board ever put together."

The meeting marked the ending of Doris Cook's term as chair, as well as Bennett's term as vice-chair.