There were many applause breaks and even a few tears at Monday night's Haywood County Board of Education. Not only was it was it the last meeting of the year, but the evening was a goodbye to two longtime school board members — and a hello to two more. Both outgoing board members — 16-year veteran Walt Leatherwood and four-year member Ann Barrett — were given plaques for their service, not to mention several hugs, pats on the back and rounds of claps.

On the other end of the continuum, new members Lynn Milner and Rhonda Cole Schandevel were sworn in, as were Jim Harley Francis and Bob Morris, both of whom won the recent election after having been previously appointed to the board. Board chair Chuck Francis was also sworn in, officially beginning his 12th year on the board. The next board meeting will be at 7 p.m. Jan. 14.