Board members selected Evan Dean as their appointment, 5-0, with Chris Gratton absent from the meeting.

Dean is an occupational therapist who has experience in special education. He serves on a state board focused on special education and students transitioning toward life after education.

He said during his interview Dec. 2 he could be a resource to special education, specifically students in the 18-21 year old range transitioning to work after schooling.

He also said he favored a robust career technical education and that he’d be a voice for strong educational standards.

Dean has three children in the district.

Other candidates interviewed were Jill Breuer, Melynda Harbour, Michael Corriston and Payton Lynn.

Board members Monday said it was a difficult decision because of the strong field of candidates. When board members discussed their top picks Monday, they mentioned Dean, Breuer and Lynn. Lynn is a 2020 THS graduate who now works at the Kansas Department of Education.

Dean will join the board at the Jan. 13 meeting and will serve through the end of 2025.