Board of Education member Betsy Landers has decided to step down at the end of her current term, ending six years of service to Germantown Municipal School District.

Landers, who announced her decision Wednesday morning, was appointed by the Board of Mayor and Aldermen to the school board in 2016. She replaced Mark Dely, who moved out of the district about halfway through his four-year term. She then was elected to a full four-year term in 2018. During her tenure, she has served as chairperson and vice chairperson.

Pediatrician enters Germantown school board race

“I am choosing not to seek reelection, but it was important to me to have the chance to speak to my family,” she said. 

Her term goes through December.

“It’s been an amazing six years,” she said. “I’ve been able to accomplish many of the things I wanted to accomplish.”

She has a great amount of respect for the current board members who all have served together since members Ryan Strain and Brian Curry were elected in 2020. She’s served with Chairwoman Angela Griffith since 2018 and Vice Chairwoman Amy Eoff since 2016.

“As a board we make an incredible team. I respect each and every one of them. … The school board is in good hands. We have an amazing board and a top-notch superintendent,” Landers said.

“Mrs. Landers has been a treasured asset to the Germantown Board of Education in a variety of roles,” Griffith said. “She is a genuine public education advocate for students, families and staff at all levels. It’s been a pleasure serving alongside her over the past four years.”

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Stepping down from the suburban board ends about 31 years of Landers serving in educational capacities. Before she was appointed to the suburb’s Board of Education, she had extensive PTA experience at the at the local, state and national level.

She said it’s time for her next season of life. Her husband retired two years ago. They’d like to travel and spend more time with their children and three grandchildren.

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“Right now that’s what I need to be doing,” she said.

Election Day for a number of municipal races, including certain seats on the Germantown Board of Education, is Nov. 8. Candidates have until noon on Aug. 18 to pull a petition, gain the necessary number of signatures and submit it to the Shelby County Election Commission.

Dr. Daniel Chatham, a local pediatrician, is the only person thus far to announce he’s running for Landers’ seat in Position 2.