Digmon named to school board seat

Sherry Digmon will return to the District 6 school board seat she lost in 2016 to David Nolin after the Escambia County School Board voted unanimously to appoint her to the vacant seat left by Nolin's death on Sept. 2 due to complications with COVID-19.

During a special meeting Tuesday afternoon, Attorney Kirk Garrett told the board that while it was uncomfortable talking about replacing Nolin so soon, state law required a replacement be made within 30 days of a vacancy. He noted that if the school board didn't name a replacement within that time frame the state school board chairman would make a selection.

Board Member Danny Benjamin asked if the board could go ahead and make an appointment at the meeting. He said he had talked with Digmon and she was willing to come back on the board.

The appointment would only be good to finish out Nolin's term, with that seat being on the ballot in 2022.

"She knows the system," Benjamin said.

Board Member Mike Edwards also said he had talked with Digmon and made a motion to appoint her to the vacant seat. The motion carried unanimously.

At the opening of the meeting Tuesday, the board held a moment of silence in Nolin's honor and Benjamin read a tribute to him.

"The Escambia County Board of Education, the superintendent, board members and the entire staff hearts are broken at the passing of District 6 Representative David Nolin," Benjamin said. "We are grateful to God for blessing this board to have such a remarkable, dedicated, loyal and hard working supporter of public education. He devoted his life to education: teacher, coach, principal and school board member."

"I certainly agree with all who knew David, know that he had a million dollar smile," Benjamin continued. "He met no strangers and it was obvious that Jesus was his savior and Lord."

"David loved his family and his family loved him," Benjamin said. "We pause this afternoon to pay tribute to a great man who served well. We thank God for his life, legacy, boardsmanship and his friendship."

"We miss you, thank you for your service," Benjamin said. "Thank you for your service. We thank God for David Nolin."

Digmon said it wasn't a position she sought out and hates the circumstances.

"It's sad," Digmon said of Nolin's death. "Everybody's sad about David. He was well liked by everyone. I'm honored to be asked, I just hate the circumstances. I will fill out his term to the best of my ability."