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This space was quiet for a couple weeks because I was out on leave with a child recovering from surgery. I returned to the office today and am catching up on the local K-12 beat.

I spoke with school board member Kris Cooke today and she mentioned her plans to not seek re-election for District 7. Cooke has served on the board since 1997, the longest of any other sitting member, and she felt it was time to retire.

"I want to consider some other things, nothing right now, but I believe change is good for the board and someone else might bring some different ideas," said Cooke, who started mulling the decision last summer.

Cooke said she encouraged Rebecca Buffington, Page High's PTSA president, to run in her stead. Cooke said she has known Buffington for at least 10 years and Buffington has led PTAs at General Greene Elementary and Aycock Middle. Buffington also serves on the Guilford County Council of PTAs.

Cooke was on the board when I started covering Guilford County Schools in 2006 and what stood out to me was her commitment to supporting local businesses, maintaining ownership of district properties and advocating for new and renovated schools.

I asked Cooke to reflect on her service on the board and she said she was most proud of Mo Green's hiring, the creation of the district's middle colleges and newcomers school, the expansion of facilities for children with disabilities, and the passage of three bond programs.

"My concern with what's left to do is figure out how to fund what we need to with our budget," she said.

What will you remember about Cooke's service on the board and what do you hope she will accomplish by the end of her term?

(Note that the filing period for school board seats ends next Wednesday. No one has filed yet in Districts 1 and 9.)