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WOODSFIELD -- The Switzerland of Ohio Local School District Board of Education has named Robert Putsock to fill a seat that was left vacant after a board member resigned last month.
During the board's last regular meeting on Oct. 14, Beverly Anderson submitted a letter of resignation that stated she was resigning due to "personal reasons." Anderson, who served as a board member for six years, was absent from the meeting; a fellow board member read the letter aloud.
Following Anderson's resignation, the board began accepting applications to fill for the opening. According to a listing by the board, it was looking for a "positive, energetic and visible board of education member to provide leadership to the students, faculty, administration and communities of the SOLSD." Other qualifications necessary for the candidate included being at least 18 years of age and a resident of the district. The deadline for application submission was Oct. 29.
The board held a special meeting Wednesday evening at the district's central office to consider appointing a new member. Board members Ron Winkler, Greg Schumacher, Sarah Smith and Jerry Gust interviewed seven candidates vying for the seat. Winkler said there were originally eight applicants; however, one withdrew prior to the meeting.
Most of the meeting was held behind closed doors, where the board interviewed candidates and discussions were held. After around a two-hour closed-door session, the board announced Robert Putsock would fill the seat. The vote was unanimous.
Following the meeting, Winkler said Putsock was the "best candidate for the job."
Putsock's term will expire Dec. 31, 2023.
The board will also gain a new member Jan. 1, when Kenneth Phillips will replace Sarah Smith. Smith declined to run for re-election this year.
Voters in the Nov. 2 election had to choose two people among four candidates. Incumbent Jerry Gust received 259 votes and Phillips received 238 votes to secure the seats. Two other candidates lost their bids for a post including Ken Darby, who received 199 votes, and Janice Tenley with 88 votes.
The board of education will next meet at 6 p.m. Thursday at Swiss Hills Career Center, 46601 Ohio 78, Woodsfield.