Dunlap to fill school board seat

GENTRY — Gary Dunlap was appointed Monday by the Gentry School Board to fill the Zone 1 vacancy.

After advertising the vacancy and soliciting volunteers to fill the position held by Le’Ann Watanabe until her resignation last month, three residents of the zone submitted letters of interest to the board and addressed the board on Monday night: Dunlap, Lisa Coy and Emily Hodges.

Board members voted by secret ballot, with the understanding that the chosen appointee must receive a minimum of at least four of the remaining board members’ six votes. Dunlap was chosen on the first ballot.

The signed ballots are on file at the district office and open to inspection should anyone question the vote of the board.

Dunlap is a longtime resident of the area and has been active as a coach in the Gentry Youth Organization sports program and in his church youth group.

Dunlap said he wanted what is best for his own children, other children and the schooldistrict. He offered to help in any way he could.

After he is sworn in, Dunlap will serve the remainder of Watanabe’ term - up to the September school election.

Watanabe attributed her Jan. 22 resignation to health concerns.

“Due to health reasons, I feel I can no longer give the time and dedication that the position requires,” she wrote.