The West Branch Board of Education’s appointed Debbie Helm as its newest member Wednesday. Helm, third from left, was joined in celebrating her appointment by her family, from left, Lynette Bell, Mike Helm, Graham Rohaley, 10, Rory Rohaley, 12, Cameron Rohaley, Shane Rohaley and Jen Rohaley. (Photo by Morgan Ahart)

BELOIT — The West Branch Board of Education filled its vacant board position in a special meeting Wednesday.

The board voted unanimously to appoint Debbie Helm as the board’s newest member, fulfilling the remainder of the term ending Dec. 31, 2027. The position was left vacant when Aaron Hawk resigned from the board on April 10 citing a need to be more available for his family and his wife’s recent professional promotion.

Helm is a 1982 Marlington High School alumni, a 1994 Hannah E. Mullins School of Practical Nursing graduate, and has lived in the district for over 30 years. She was selected from a pool of eight applicants including Radawn Barnett, Derek Day, Phillip Dickens, Alexandria Davenport, Karen Harris, Alyssa Pidgeon and John Ryser.

Helm said she applied for the position out of a desire to give back to her community as she approaches her retirement from Copeland Oaks.

“I’ve been part of this district for over 30 years, my children attended West Branch, and my three grandchildren currently attend the district, my husband has taught and coached in the district for over 20 years, and I wanted a way to give back to the community with my retirement coming up,” said Helm.

Helm said that she loves the West Branch community and has had the opportunity to meet with, befriend and see the passion of many people in the district through her husband Mike’s teaching and coaching career.

“I’ve benefited from the opportunity to really meet and be involved with my local community, and I’m looking forward to doing more,” said Helm.

The board also approved a pair of facilities contracts including a contract with Vasco Sports Contractors to install a turf field at Heacock Stadium paid for via private donations, and an agreement with Musco Sports Lighting LLC to install lighting upgrades at the stadium as an energy conservation measure.

The meeting concluded with an executive session for the discussion of personnel matters with no action following. The board of education will meet next at 5 p.m. May 22.