Evert Appointed to Fill School Board Vacancy

*Former Excelsior Springs teacher and administrator, Jill Evert was appointed to the ESSD Board of Education by unanimous vote (photo Mackenzie Cole).*

On Monday evening (08/08/2022), Jill Evert, a retired educator, and administrator from the Excelsior Springs School District with more than 30 years of education experience was selected from a pool of five well-qualified candidates for an open position on the Excelsior Springs Board of Education. The seat was vacated by Dr. Stephen Houck who, in June, honorably relinquished his role in order to take a job teaching science at Excelsior Springs High School. Other applicants for the position were Ryan Fluesmeier, Kristi Shewell, Kevin Rhine, and, Russell Wenz. Each candidate brought unique perspectives and made strong candidates. At the conclusion of the interviews, Superintendent Travis Hux said, “it’s very nice to know as the superintendent that there are so many good people willing to serve… having such qualified candidates is very comforting.” Evert was sworn in after the board unanimously approved her appointment and will finish Dr. Houck’s term, which expires in April 2023. In order to remain on the board, Evert will need to run for election during the April 2023 municipal election. Board president Tray Harkins urged each of the interviewed candidates to “put their name on the line” for the April election noting there will be three board positions available.

Board Secretary, Lisa Shelton confirmed the appointment of Evert at Monday’s meeting.

The ESSD School Board meets on the second Monday of each month at 6:30 PM at the Support Services Building in Room 8, 113 Line Street in Excelsior Springs, MO. Meetings are live-streamed courtesy of the Excelsior Citizen and our sponsors to our Facebook Page, Facebook Group, and YouTube channel.