WHEREAS, William M. Blaine, Jr., a dedicated member of the Spotsylvania County School Board, died on December 31, 2023; and

WHEREAS, a native of Illinois, William "Bill" Blaine earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Illinois, a master's degree in education from the University of Chicago, and a master of business administration degree from Northwestern University; and

WHEREAS, before moving to Virginia, Bill Blaine served 12,000 students as a school board member for High School District 214 in Illinois; he also dedicated 15 years of service to the board of Mount Prospect Public Library and the North Suburban Library District, as well as four years to the Mount Prospect Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, further exemplifying his commitment to education and community engagement; and

WHEREAS, for two terms, starting in 2011, Bill Blaine represented the Salem District on the Spotsylvania County School Board, advocating for a commitment to excellence and improvements in the school division, with an emphasis on science, technology, engineering, and math education and career preparation; his balanced approach, which recognized the equal importance of sports, arts, social, and music programs, left a lasting legacy in Spotsylvania County Public Schools; and

WHEREAS, Bill Blaine retired from the Spotsylvania County School Board in December 2019; and

WHEREAS, Bill Blaine gave generously of his time to the community as a member of the Spotsylvania County Democratic Committee and the Spotsylvania County Branch of the NAACP and as a precinct captain and poll worker for elections in Spotsylvania County; and

WHEREAS, Bill Blaine offered his leadership and expertise to various other committees and boards in the community, including the Fredericksburg Torch Club; and

WHEREAS, Bill Blaine's dedication to service and his passion for providing quality education to all were recognized when he received the John J. Wright Museum Torch Award; this prestigious accolade was bestowed upon him for his selfless service to the community and preservation of African American history, a testament to his significant contributions and impact; and

WHEREAS, predeceased by his loving wife, Bill Blaine will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by his son, William III, and his family, and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Delegates hereby note with great sadness the loss of William M. Blaine, Jr., a cherished member of Spotsylvania County community, whose kindness and generosity touched countless lives; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family and friends of William M. Blaine, Jr., as an expression of the House of Delegates' respect for his memory.