The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

DAYTON-At the regular school board meeting on March 2, Superintendent Doug Johnson administered the oath of office to its newest school board director, Justin Jaech, Sr.

The directors also presented outgoing director Steve Martin with a plaque in appreciation of his many years of service on the board.

"If anybody deserves recognition, you do," said board chairman Dan Butler.

Martin told the directors that his availability to meet the requirements of serving on the school board had been getting harder due to his busy schedule.

"With eight years of experience I know it is often a thankless position that requires countless hours of preparation time, committee meetings, board meetings, mental energy, and late night phone calls with concerned constituents," Martin said.

"I encourage each of you to engage in our district's activities and community as much as you possibly can. It has been a pleasure serving as school board member, and I will not be a stranger," he told the directors.

Justin Jaech now occupies the District 2 seat that was formerly held by Martin. Martin's term ended in 2015, but last fall he decided not to run for reelection, in order to allow other people an opportunity to serve on the board, he said.

Michelle McCleary filed for the position, but had to withdraw, due to a move out of the district. Recently, both Martin and Jaech applied for the position, and both were interviewed by the board of directors on Feb. 24.

At the interview Jaech told the directors that good schools in the area influenced his decision to settle in Dayton. He spoke to the need for board members to provide good outreach to the community, and to be sensitive and available to community members.

After the meeting on March 2, Jaech said, "Children are the future. Good schools indicate pride in the community and hope for the future of the community. I hope to contribute to that."

Jaech's appointment on the board will end in 2017. He or someone else can then run for election to a two-year term on the board. In 2019 the election returns to its normal four-year cycle, according to county auditor Sharon Richter.