The Winton Woods City School District Board of Education elected Vice President Brandon Smith as board president and Angela Knighton as vice president during its organizational meeting on Jan. 3, 2025.

The board voted unanimously, 5-0, to elect Brandon Smith president after nominations and a short discussion about potential schedule conflicts. Vice President Brandon Smith said, “I’ve looked at the schedule, and, as it stands, I don’t see any conflicts,” and added he would notify the board well in advance if travel obligations arose that might affect attendance. After his election, the treasurer administered the oath of office and Smith assumed the gavel.

The board also unanimously elected Board Member Angela Knighton to serve as vice president. Knighton was nominated, seconded and sworn in by the treasurer during the same meeting. Knighton told the board she looks forward to the year and thanked members for their support.

During the nominations, Board Member Deborah Bryant was also nominated for president but withdrew her nomination after discussion focused on ensuring the president could regularly attend Monday meetings; Bryant said she would “support however I can.” The board discussed options for handling occasional scheduling conflicts — typically the vice president will preside when the president cannot attend. Several members emphasized that any proposed meeting changes would be raised with the full board and that the vice president could act in the president’s place when needed.

Votes were recorded by roll call: Ms. Bridal, Dr. Johnson, Ms. Knighton, Mr. Spielman and Mr. Smith all voted “Aye” on both leadership elections. The board opened its organizational meeting earlier in the afternoon, led the pledge of allegiance, completed roll call and then proceeded to the elections and oath of office.

The elections conclude the board’s annual organizational duties and set the leadership team that will preside over board meetings and work sessions for the 2025 calendar year.