The St. Joseph Board of Education voted at a special meeting on May 17, to fill the seat vacated by the resignation of Lori Witham.
Phil Vandel, local businessman and musician was selected from a slate of five candidates who were interviewed by the Board in a public session. Each candidate was asked a series of questions by Board President David Foster. The candidates also had additional time to share personal or professional information they thought was important for the Board and the public to know.
Vandal was born and raised in St. Joseph and is a graduate of Lafayette High School. He is a certified professional inspector and a musician who has toured the world performing in Iraq and throughout the Middle East with Operation Iraqi Children. He has served on several non-profit boards and performed at numerous school outreach programs throughout the country. He was inducted into the 2021 Kansas Music Hall of Fame. His wife is an English teacher and boys/girls golf coach at Central High School. He has two daughters and a granddaughter.
Vandal was sworn-in following Board discussion and the selection process. His first meeting as a member of the Board will be on Monday, May 23.
A total of 10 St. Joseph residents expressed interest in the vacancy.