BREAKING New members to be named to Neelyville board

DAR/File photo

Neelyville School Board is expected to swear in four new members Thursday during a special board meeting.

The names were released Wednesday morning by the Butler County Commission, which was provided with a list of former board members by district administration.

Former board members Les Thomas, Gene Russom, Jack Stull and John French are expected to be sworn in Thursday, according to information the Daily American Republic obtained from county commissioners and the district.

These individuals replace four board members who resigned in September after ongoing division on the board. They were Vernon Barker, Dean Fisher, Robert Burgett and Wayne Willcut.

According to Neelyville Superintendent Heather Black, Barker’s term was from April 2022 until April 2025. Fisher’s term was nearly over, running from April 2021 until April 2024. Burgett’s term was from April 2023 until April 2026. Willcut’s term was from April 2023 until April 2026.

The remaining members are Paul Petty, Jim Hover and Jill McGruder.

Administrators previously said district policy required that the Butler County Commission appoint replacements when more than two positions needed to be filled.

“The persons appointed shall hold office until the next school board election, when directors shall be elected for the unexpired terms,” the policy states.

The next regular election is in April.

This is an evolving story and will be updated as additional information becomes available.

Updated at 2:57 p.m. Oct. 4.