There are three candidates for Bryan County Board of Education who have no opponents:

Chairman

Name: Eddie Warren
Age: 50
Address: 330 Shadow Moss Circle, Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324
Family: Married for 30 years to Lori Warren, have three daughters, Erin – lives in Statesboro and teaches at Lanier Primary School, Katelyn – lives in Ellabell and teaches at Bryan County Elementary School, Sara – graduated RHHS in 2010 and will be attending Valdosta State in the fall.
Seat seeking: Chairman of the Bryan County BOE
Work experience: 25 years in the restaurant business, five years as a realtor with Re/Max Accent in Richmond Hill.
Political experience: 10 years on the Bryan County BOE (3 ½ as chairman). This is the only public office I have sought or held.
Why are you running for office: To keep the positive momentum that we presently have moving forward and to give back to a community that has given so much to me and my family.

District 4

Name: Joe Pecenka
Age: 40
Address: 11 Montauk Drive, Richmond Hill; 727-4284.
Family: Wife, Julie, and two sons, Robbie and Josh, ages 13 and 9.
Seat seeking: Re-election to Board of Education’s fourth district seat  
Work experience: Real Estate Appraisal & Sales
Education: BBA from UGA and master’s degree from Georgia State University.
Civic activities: Various volunteer work with church, our local schools and Scouts.
Political experience: Now completing first term on Bryan County BOE.
Why are you running for office? I believe that our school system is currently headed in a very positive direction based on its current academic performance. I also believe that our athletic programs are gaining strength, and I look forward to the upcoming sports seasons. I am willing to work hard for four more years to help ensure that we continue on this path of continuous improvement in our academic and extra-curricular programs. I will also continue to work diligently to help manage our finances during this time of economic uncertainty.  
In addition, my experience in real estate helps me to make effective, educated decisions about expansion and facilities. Both of our sons attend school in Bryan County, and I volunteer in these schools, so I see first hand the needs of our teachers and administration, as well as the excellent work they do together. I am always willing to listen to my constituents and help guide them toward the answers they seek regarding our school system.
What makes you the most qualified candidate for the position?  I am now completing the fourth year of my first term. I believe that my experience, my training and my background will assist me in making sound decisions for the school board.
What do you see in the way of immediate needs and future needs for the school system? If elected, how do you plan to take on those issues? Our system needs level-headed leadership to guide us through this difficult financial time. I can offer that focused guidance for my district. In the future Bryan County needs to remain focused on academic excellence and molding well-rounded students. As a member of the Board of Education, I can help make decisions that will make that future possible.

Name: David Schwartz
Age: 42
Address: Piercefield Subdivision
Family: Wife, Valerie; three children: Kevin, 15, Courtney, 12, Kaitlyn, 3.
Seat seeking: Board of Education District 5
Work experience: 23 years in petroleum equipment industry, owner of lawn care company.
Political experience: None
Have you ever sought public office before? If so, when and for what position?: Ran for same position four years ago, lost in primary.
Why are you running for office? To continue keeping Bryan County Schools operating at highest standards possible.
What makes you the most qualified candidate for the position? I am a people person and will listen to the parents’ needs for the children and try to help within the perimeter of the school board.
Editor’s note: A photo of Schwartz was not provided by presstime.