SHELBY — The race for three open seats on the Shelby Board of Education was uncontested this past November.
But that doesn’t mean the trio of candidates has any less ambition to fulfill the roles.
Newcomers Brandel Boyd and Jonathan Lawson were both sworn in Monday night during the board’s first meeting of the New Year. Veteran school board member Scott Rose was also sworn in after being re-elected by voters for another term.
Rose received 1,049 votes in November, followed by Lawson with 897 and Boyd with 844, according to the Richland County Board of Elections. Rose was also voted back into the board president position by his peers.
Heather Braun was voted vice president.
New board members excited to serve
When asked why he pursued a seat on the board, Lawson said he was partially inspired by his brother-in-law — who served about 15 years ago.
He said he has kids of his own in the district now and decided it was time to become more involved.
Boyd also has two children who attend Shelby City Schools.
“When I found out that the school board meetings were open to the public, I started attending and my interest kind of grew from there,” she said. “We have big school spirit, so I’m just really excited to give back in this particular way especially because I’m all in on the Whippets.”
Lawson and Boyd each said their election to the board is something they take seriously — seeing it as an opportunity to give back to the district and community.
“I’ve got two kids going through the district right now, so I have a personal investment in the decisions we (the board) make,” Boyd said.
Lawson agreed.
“I like the schools. I grew up here (Shelby) and I’ve liked it so far for my oldest (child),” he said. “I hope it’s going to maintain how it is for my youngest when he starts.”
The Shelby Board of Education meets on the third Monday of each month. Meetings are open to the public and begin at 6 p.m. inside the David A. Jones Little Theater, 109 W. Smiley Ave.