Dr. Al Williams, Volusia County's school board chairman, died Monday after being in the hospital for about a week.
Williams, 70, had just been re-elected to a third term in office back in August. Williams is the board member for District 2, which includes the Daytona Beach area. He was elected chairman by the other board members.
However, late last month Williams turned the gavel over to Vice Chairwoman Judy Conte because he was dealing with health issues.
Williams was a General Electric executive. When he was laid off he went back to school and got a doctorate in education.
Williams served on Volusia County's school board from 1984 to 1992, and returned in 2004.
The school district issued this statement Monday:
"Dr. Al Williams, chairman of the School Board of Volusia County, died this morning surrounded by family and friends. Dr. Williams represented District 2, including the greater Daytona Beach area, Daytona Beach Shores, Ponce Inlet, South Daytona and a portion of Port Orange. Arrangements are not yet finalized.
"'Dr. Williams was a loyal member of the ‘Team Volusia’ family,' stated Superintendent Margaret Smith. 'He had a big personality and a bigger heart for students, teachers and the world of education. Dr. Al, as he was affectionately known, will be deeply missed.'
"Dr. Williams was a dedicated family man, an accomplished educator and administrator, an active community volunteer and successful businessman. He dedicated his life to providing a quality education for every child and an excellent working environment for teachers. Dr. Williams’ education included a doctoral degree in educational administration from Columbia University, a master's degree from both Northeastern Illinois University and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and a bachelor's degree from St. Mary's College in Minnesota.
"Dr. Williams was a teacher and a professor and worked as an educational consultant for low performing high schools for Chicago Public Schools. He was also the executive director of the personnel department for the Austin (Texas) Independent School District
"From 1984-1992, Dr. Williams served as a Volusia County School Board member and was re-elected to the school board in 2004 when he returned to Florida. He had just won a new four-year term in the August primary.
"The process for filling the school board seat vacancy is governed by state election law. Volusia County Supervisor of Elections Ann McFall is consulting the Florida Division of Elections on the matter. Further details will be forthcoming."