The Shelby County Board of Education voted Thursday night to appoint Kevin Morris to fill the unexpired term of Steve Martin, who recently retired from the board after 26 years of service.  Mr. Morris will be sworn in at the August 21st board meeting.

“I am excited about this opportunity,” Morris said following the board meeting. “I am looking forward to rolling up my sleeves and jumping in to continue the progress and success of the Shelby County Schools.”

Morris, a native of the county and product of the Shelby County School District, is Vice President of Consumer Lending for America’s First Federal Credit Union.  He is also a parent of children attending schools in the Shelby County system.  He said his perspective as a former student, parent, and business leader in Shelby County should be an asset to the board.

Morris ran against Martin for the board seat in the 2012 General Election.   He told board members during the interview process that he hoped they would take his previous interest in the position into consideration.

“I ran against an incumbent with 24 years experience,” Martin told the board members during the interviews. “I made a decision to throw my name in the hat and I came pretty doggone close to to winning the election.”

Morris went on to say that the timing is better now for him to serve in the position. “I feel that God has put me in a better position to serve now than I was in at that time,” he said.

Morris told the board he is passionate about education and serving in roles that allow him to take an active role, such as serving with Youth Leadership Shelby.  He also praised the district for their past vision and leadership.

“”I want to be a part of that process,” Morris told the board and Superintendent Randy Fuller. “I am not sure that the general public is fully aware of everything  good that is going on.  But I want to be a part of the process that is now in motion with the marketing efforts for our district.”

“Congratulations on what you are doing,” Morris said. “It is good to see what you are doing to make our school district great.  And, we have been doing a lot of good things for a long time.”

The Shelby County Board of Education interviewed three candidates on Thursday afternoon for the position.  In addition to Mr. Morris, the board also interviewed Joyce Lewis and Jim Davis.