James Wood was selected to fill Position 1  by the USD 234 School Board on Monday, August 27.

“There were two community members who submitted letters of interest that qualified to fill Position 1,” USD Superintendent Ted Hessong said. ” The other person was Jeff Madison.  At the special board meeting held at the district office on Monday, Mr. Wood and Mr. Madison were interviewed by the sitting board in an open session.  At the conclusion of the interview, a motion and a second were made to appoint Mr. Wood and the board voted him in to fill the position 6-0.”

This vacant position was open because of the resignation of Vanessa Poyner, earlier this year.

“Mr. Wood will begin filling Position 1 at the September 10th USD 234 School Board meeting,” Hessong said.

Wood, 43,  grew up in Fort Scott, graduating from Fort Scott High School and Fort Scott Community Collge, then joined the Marine Corps for four years, he said.

He is the manager of the Holmtown Pub, 206 N. National Avenue.

His community involvement:

“I organize a Christmas party every year for foster kids and their families,” Wood said. “I play Santa.”

He is also a member of the Fort Scott Middle School VIP group and has helped with the Good Neighbor Action Team, The Sharing Bucket and the Wreaths Across America groups, he said.

Wood is a widower with a son in 7th grade at Fort Scott Middle School.

“I am honored and excited to be a part of the school board and staff to make a difference in the community,” Wood said.