Westside Church’s counseling director Dick Dearwester was selected as the new Board of Education member on Monday, Nov. 8. He will take the place of Janine Gracy, who stepped down due to her relocation to Colorado.

Dearwester’s first night as an active board member was Monday, Dec. 13. Dearwester says he is excited to be selected to fulfill this position.

“I was honored, humbled, totally amazed and excited to [be selected],” Dearwester said.

Dearwester hopes that as the new addition to the board he can bring a new perspective.

“I represent a cross-section of the community that is on a fixed income or about to retire,” Dearwester said.

The board makes decisions with regards to all 12 schools in the district. Dearwester has always had an interest in education and hopes he can make sure the valued education he received will also be possible for the students.

“I want the quality education I received to continue on to the next generation,” Dearwester said.