Power appointed to school board

Shane Power was unanimously chosen to fill a vacant seat on the Owen County School Board during a special-called meeting that took place on March 12.

The board went into executive session in order to hold interviews for the seat left open due to the resignation of Kim Hunter.

Once the interviews were completed and the board exited the executive session, Joy Colligan made a motion to appoint Power as board member to district 1, and the motion was seconded by Eric Baumann. The motion carried with no opposition.

A lifelong resident of Owen County, Power will attend March’s meeting after being sworn in last Friday at the school board office.

“During his interview, he told us that he has looked for opportunities to get involved with the school system, and this seemed like a good fit,” said Owen County School Board Chair Neese Chilton when asked what made him the best candidate.

Power made a significant impression on the board by sharing that he prayed daily for the students and administration when he passed the schools daily.

“We believe Shane will bring fresh energy to the board,” said Chilton “He will be able to look at policies with new eyes and bring new ideas to the table as both a parent and community member.”

Power and his wife, Rita, have one daughter together, who is currently in the sixth grade at Bowling Middle School.

“I wanted to give back to the county that shaped me into who I am,” Power said.

Power will fill the remainder of the term through 2024, when he will be up for reelection for the District 1 seat. District 1 consists the New Columbus and Hesler areas.