The Emporia Public Schools Board of Education has tentatively filled its vacancy, naming Mallory Koci to the board following an interview process Wednesday evening.
Koci was one of six candidates to apply for the vacancy and says she looks forward to the challenge.
Board President Mike Crouch says it was great to see so many interested candidates come forward. Ultimately, he says, Koci made a good impression on the board.
As a board member, Koci says she plans to take a holistic approach to district issues and education.
Koci has been employed at Emporia State University since 2009 and is currently a clinical instructor in interdisciplinary studies. She is the mother of a second grader who attends Walnut Elementary and says she has a vested interest in the future of the district.
Others who interviewed for the vacancy included Jennifer Baldwin, William Bernhardt-Purdy, Joseph Corn and Dennis Newell. Julie Cooper, who applied initially, withdrew her name prior to Wednesday’s special meeting. Koci received four votes, Newell received the other two votes. Crouch says the board plans to help make Koci’s transition a smooth one.
Each of the candidates were allowed 20 minutes to answer questions from the school board including why they were interested, what they saw as the greatest challenge for the district, what they’d most like to see the district accomplish if there were no budgetary restrictions, how the board can help to attract and retain the best possible employees and to give their opinion on who ultimately is responsible for the quality of education of students. Board members voted twice with the first vote including each of the board member’s top two choices from the five interviewees. The results of both votes are pictured below.
Koci will be sworn in prior to the board’s Sept. 12 meeting.
Board vote No. 1 results
Board vote No. 2 results
