One opening on the Harford school board became two Monday night, when Vice President Salina Williams announced she was retiring rather than serving another term.

“The governor’s office called and said, ‘Thank you for your service, but you will not be getting reappointed,’ ” said Williams, who was not given a reason as to Gov. Martin O’Malley’s decision this past Wednesday.

“He’s the governor. He gets to do what he wants.”

Board Member Patrick Hess, who would have become the next vice president, will move directly to the top spot. Board Member Lee Merrill will become vice president.

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The board’s bylaws require the vice president to replace the president during the first meeting in July.

Williams had served on the board for 4 1/2 years, having been appointed by Gov. Robert Ehrlich, but she would not comment on whether she was being let go because of it.

Williams’ decision to step down immediately will leave one empty seat until the governor’s office appoints a replacement.

Board Member Tom Fidler, who ended his yearlong term as president that same evening, is not seeking reappointment but will remain on the board until his replacement is selected.

Williams, who has urged more minorities to participate politically and asked for greater minority representation in county politics, was the only black board member of the board. She said she will remain involved in the Aberdeen High School Parent Teacher Association and Superintendent Jacqueline Haas’ ad hoc “diversity committee.”

The temporary committee reviewing applicants for the open seats made two recommendations Monday night that will be sent to the governor’s appointments office for consideration, said Councilman Richard Slutzky, committee chairman.

Nancy Reynolds, the recently retired principal of Bel Air Middle School, was unanimously approved by the committee; and Dr. Mohammed Shahab was approved by a 4-3 vote.

The governor’s office will decide whether to appoint the two or go with another candidate.

Hess said he would begin his term as president looking for ways to improve communication among the board members, county parents and elected officials, and he would not take an official stance on whether board members should be elected or appointed.

“I’m not going to get involved in that,” he said. “If that’s what the citizens want, then that’s what they should have. We serve the people of Harford County.”

msantoni@baltimoreexaminer.com