New Highland board member appointed, not sworn in

The Highland school board approved the appointment of Josh Thomann to its District 6 seat at a meeting Monday night, where he will fill out the remaining year and a half of the term vacated by Kathy Butler, who resigned last month for personal reasons.

Thomann, a farmer and parent in the district, had to skip the Monday night meeting to plant on the first fair-weather day of the season, but submitted some comments to the board in writing.

“We want our children to have the best education available to them, the same opportunities offered to them at other schools,” he wrote.

With Thomann’s approval, he has 10 days to take the oath of office, according to Highland’s board policy.

Superintendent Ken Crawford said Thomann, the only applicant to the position, would be a good fit.

“His attributes were good communication, he has an open mind, he’s level headed,” Crawford said. “He wants to work together to achieve common goals … my recommendation is to go ahead and appoint him.”

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com