Irene Caudillo was chosen for an open Kansas City, Kan., Board of Education position at the Tuesday night school board meeting.
It was a unanimous vote, 5-0, according to the board’s clerk.
The board also received the sad news that long-time board member George Breidenthal died June 23.
Christal Watson, a current board member, removed her name from the list of applicants who wanted to be considered for the open position at Tuesday night’s meeting, and then Watson voted for Caudillo. Seven candidates had submitted their names and were interviewed for the position last week.
Caudillo will be filling the position of Vicki Meyer, who resigned for health reasons after 18 years of service on the board.
During the spring election campaign, Caudillo had emphasized closing the student achievement gap, as well as more collaboration and accountability, increased graduation rates, increased parental involvement, and advocacy for adequate state funding.
Caudillo, president and CEO of El Centro, will start her board service in July. Rep. Valdenia Winn, who was elected to the school board, also will start her school board term in July.
No details have been announced yet for the process for another open board position that will be filled, but the board is expected to follow the same procedure.