“I’m humbled that the citizens of Hampton continue to entrust me with such a great position to continue to serve the citizens of Hampton and also the children of Hampton,” said Samuels, who currently serves as the board’s chairman. “I’m looking forward to the work ahead, ensuring that by 2020, 100 percent of our schools are fully accredited, which is (a) priority of mine.”

He added that he wants to continue to improve literacy and implement the Academies of Hampton model, as well as work with City Council to fund higher raises in the future.

“I am feeling humbled and grateful for all those people who voted for me. I am happy that I got re-elected and I truly look forward to working with all the School Board members, including Richard Mason, to continue the work and the effort that we’ve included in our strategic plan,” Kilgore said.

Mason, a mental health counselor and associate professor at Hampton University, is new to politics, but not new to the school division, having been active in PTA organizations while his son was in school.

He said he wants to meet one-on-one with the other board members and Superintendent Jeffery Smith to see where they are now and where his desire to have comprehensive mental health services for students fit into the division. The new term starts July 1.

“I’m just excited to hit the ground running,” he said.