Field named District 95 board president

Raising the gavel over her head, and paraphrasing Mark Twain saying she was "astonished and honored," Catherine Field took her seat last week as president of the Carbondale Elementary School District 95 Board of Education.

Field, along with returning board member Markida Roper and newly elected members Erin Connelly and Corey Cawthon, were sworn in to four-year terms by president pro tem Don Prosser during a special meeting April 22 to ratify the results of the April 6 consolidated election.

Given plaques for their service were departing board members Carlton Smith, who lost a re-election bid; and Gary Shepherd, who chose not to seek re-election.

With the new board members seated, Prosser opened the floor to nominations for officers. John Major, who had served as president the past four years, nominated Field, and was seconded by Roper. No other nominees were offered.

Major, in turn, was nominated board vice president. Board member Angela Watters was nominated to Field's former office, secretary.

Field said she would wait for board members to request their committee assignments, but that there are seven committees, and each board member is expected to serve on at least two.