After more than an hour of interviews, the Dolores School Board of Education appointed Dee Wyman to fill the vacant seat on the board left last month when Board President Jon Kelly resigned.
Wyman, a physical therapist, was picked over three other candidates who had applied for the empty seat: Lenetta Shull, Joe Brunner and Ginny Johnson.
"I was so impressed with the candidates, and I enjoyed getting to know them more. Any of them would have been a great fit," Wyman said.
Wyman has lived in Dolores for 15 years. She worked on the committee that helped get the school bond passed in 2012 and has served on the District Accountability Committee. She has two children - one who has graduated from the district, and another who is a sixth-grader. She also manages her husband's orthopedic practice.
"I feel excited to bring some positivity and enthusiasm to the board, and I am hoping I am a good fit," Wyman said.
Wyman enjoys biking, skiing, golfing and running.
"We are an active family," she said.
After Wyman was appointed last Thursday night, she was quickly sworn in and settled in for a long night. The interviews started at 5 p.m., a policy meeting lasted until after 7 p.m., and the regular board meeting lasted until after 10 p.m.
After Wyman was appointed, new officers were elected. Linnea Vass was appointed as the school board president, Joye McHenry the vice president and Wyman the treasurer.
Board members then went into closed session regarding a legal issue.
Board members then heard a construction update and learned of a donation from the Forest Service of landscape boulders.
The Imrov and Wilderness Clubs were approved by the board, but won't get additional funding.
The appointment of Wyman means that the five-member school board is composed entirely of women - a first, according to recorded school district history.
slivick@cortezjournal.com
