By Ben Robinson, Courier Staff

COUNTY — The Pickens County School Board of Trustees bid farewell to Dr. Kelly Pew Monday night following her final meeting before taking a new job in Rock Hill.

Pew is set to leave the district today to take over as superintendent for Rock Hill Schools.

Pew thanked the school board for “a wonderful six years.”

“Everything that you have touched you have impacted positively,” board chairman Alex Saitta told Pew.

Dr. Brian Swords, the newest member of the board, thanked Pew for her willingness to work with him.

“I want to wish you the very best,” Dr. Herbert Cooper said. “They are very lucky to have you.

Jim Shelton called Pew an “incredibly gifted, rising, talented star,” and said Pew will be missed by everyone in the district.

The board also passed a motion offering the use of its facilities in the event of a natural disaster.

In addition, the board passed first reading of its 2014-15 budget. The budget has not yet been completed due to delays in the state senate. For second reading, the board must have a complete copy of the budget.

Dr. Danny Merck, who will be taking over as superintendent after Pew departs, has been keeping up the process. Merck said the main hindrance is the argument over the inclusion of Common Core standards.

The board voted 6-0 to approve the budget’s first reading.