Carroll trustees fill vacancy on school board

At the July 11 board meeting, Carroll trustees appointed Todd Carlton to the vacancy in Place 6 left by Matt Kormann moving out of state.

Board President Christopher Archer said there were 15 initial applicants and trustees interviewed their three top candidates, all of whom had excellent credentials.

“I think the deciding factor that made him stand out was his long tenure and involvement he’s had with the district,” Archer said.

Carlton served as co-chair of the Carroll Capital Needs Planning Committee (CNPC), which recently completed nine months of work in developing a list of recommended projects for a possible bond election. He also participated in the district’s strategic planning committee.

Carlton will serve until the May 2017 election, when he intends to run for a two-year term in Place 6. After 2019, the seat would revert to a three-year cycle.

The appointment process is a familiar one to board members. Trustee Michelle Moore was appointed to Place 1 last summer and won her seat in May when she ran unopposed. Her seat will be up again next year before returning to the typical three-year term.

The son of teachers, Carlton has “a special place in my heart for educators.” He is a regional bank president and wants to bring “fresh ideas and perspective” to the board.

Because of his work with the CNPC, he’s already familiar with school finances and education issues and hopes that makes the learning curve as a new trustee easier.

Carlton’s two children attend Carroll schools.

“I’m truly honored in the faith the board put in me, especially with the number of great applicants,” he said.

This story was originally published July 20, 2016 at 6:01 PM with the headline "Carroll trustees fill vacancy on school board."