William Cofield stepped down as chairman of the Franklin County Board of Education Monday night, handing the gavel over to two-year board member Tim Metzger.
It was the fourth time Cofield has vacated the leadership role " and he says he likes it that way.
"When you have a good, solid superintendent, you don't have to have one person serving 20 years as chair," Cofield said.
"We spread it around, and that's the way it's been since I've been on here. No one can get total control."
The Franklin County Board of Education follows an annual rotation when it comes to the top spot. Metzger served as vice chairman last year, and if tradition continues, newly-appointed Vice Chairman Larry Perkins will take over in 2010.
In Kentucky, school board chairmen preside over meetings, guide discussion and sign contracts and other official documents.
"I've had the opportunity to watch for two years and served as vice chair this past year," Metzger said. "I've been watching closely how it's done, and hopefully I can fulfill the duties without too much trouble."
Metzger said the biggest issue facing Franklin County is the same one plaguing districts across the state: money, or lack of it.
"Our number one challenge is going to be the budget, and increasing the education and improving the education that we provide to our students with fewer funds and more unfunded mandates," Metzger said.
Cofield nominated Metzger, father of a Bondurant Middle student, to lead the board.
"He's a young man, he has a kid in the schools, and he has the best interest of the district at heart," Cofield said. "He's solid " there's one thing for certain " not only in his abilities, but his thinking."
Monday was also the day to swear in board members elected in November. District Judge Kathy Mangeot performed the ceremony, initiating Cofield, Doug Crowe and new board member Michelle New.
The Franklin County Board of Education meets on Jan. 20 for a work session.