Joe Smith, who lost to Greg Martin in the District 3 County Commission race, was named Wednesday to the District 3 school board seat.
The County Commission selected Mr. Smith, the long-time director of the YMCA’s Y-PAC program.
Other candidates were James S. Watson, who ran for the school board seat two years ago; Boyd-Buchanan School Director of Operations Michael Kirk; former teacher Ann Morgan; sports announcer Randy Smith and Bradley D. Church, who owns a financial management business.
Mr. Smith was nominated by Commissioner Warren Mackey. Commissioner Martin nominated Michael Kirk.
Mr. Kirk received votes from Commissioners Martin, Joe Graham and Jim Fields.
Mr. Smith got backing from Chairman Chester Bankston and Commissioners Mackey, Tim Boyd, Sabrena Smedley and Vice Chairman Randy Fairbanks.
Commissioner Greg Beck abstained, saying he had not had time to study the matter because he had been tied up on the Woodmore Elementary situation.
Commissioner Graham sought to delay the vote, saying he was also not prepared after having sickness in his family.
Mr. Smith was sworn in at the meeting by Juvenile Court Judge Rob Philyaw.