POINT PLEASANT — After adjourning into executive session, board members announced at a special meeting on Friday at the Mason County Career Center that Matthew Thompson will fill the recent vacancy on the Mason County School Board.

Thompson will be filling the seat left by Teresa Warner, who resigned on Jan. 24. It was discussed by board members that Thompson has previously served on the school board and is not seeking to be elected to the position following the end of the school year. Superintendent Suzanne Dickens said that Thompson will be sworn in on Feb. 7, and will serve on the board until June 30.

All board members unanimously agreed that Thompson was the best choice to fill Warner’s spot. Board Member Thomas Nunnery reported that Thompson stated he was not seeking election after the end of the school year and hoped that those who are seeking election will not be threatened by his presence. Nunnery added that Thompson will be a good addition to the board, and many other members were quick to agree.

“I think we made a good decision,” said Board Member Randy Searls. “It’s a great day in Mason County.”

“I’m looking forward to working with him,” Board Member Mick Cottrill added.

It was previously reported that the current members of the board had 45 days to make an appointment to the vacant seat, and since Warner resigned more than 84 days before the general election, her permanent replacement will need to be elected during the May 8 primary.

Both Nunnery’s and Cottrill’s seats on the board will also be up for re-election come the end of the school year, and both members have filed for re-election. Also filing for election are Dr. William Capehart of Point Pleasant (District III); Mark T. Clark of Letart (District I); Jimmy Davis of Point Pleasant (District II); Greg Fowler of Point Pleasant (District II); Patrecia McGuire Gray of Leon (District II); Cassi Heib of Gallipolis Ferry (District III); Marty Reed of Point Pleasant (District III); Sheena Reynolds of Point Pleasant (District II); Paul Sayre of Hartford (District I); Pamela J. Schwarz of Mason (District I).

In other meeting business, board members approved to hold a special levy meeting at 6 p.m. on Feb. 7, at the Mason County Career Center. Board members also approved a change to the times of the policy meeting on Feb. 16 and the transfer hearings meeting on Feb. 21 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., both at the career center.

The next regular business meeting of the Mason County School Board will be on at 6 p.m. on Feb. 14 at the career center.