Washington School Board vacancy filled by parent
Washington School Board appointed a new member Monday to fill a vacant seat.
Tara Sparks-Gatling will occupy the void left by Linda Clemons, who resigned after 13 years on the nine-member board.
Sparks-Gatling will be the only member with children currently enrolled in the school district.
“I think that was a major factor,” said Rick Mancini, director of district operations. “I think it helps, and the board felt the same way. It helps … to have a different perspective.”
The mother of two school-aged children, Sparks-Gatling said she doesn’t have an agenda, but wants to help improve the school district.
“I feel it’s important to have a parent perspective when making decisions that will ultimately affect the children,” said Sparks-Gatling, who works as an advanced supply planner for Eastman Chemical Co. “I feel Washington School District is a great school district. I feel like they don’t receive the accolades they deserve, and I just want to be a part of making it better.”
Seven candidates applied for the volunteer position. The board reviewed résumés last week and voted unanimously for Sparks-Gatling Monday.
Sparks-Gatling will serve until Dec. 31, 2017. To serve a four-year term, she would have to run in the May election.