The Gering Public School Board will be back to full strength at it’s next meeting following the selection of a successor to Brian Copsey.
During a special meeting Monday evening, the Board selected Bryan Barrett to fill the post following open interviews of Barrett and the other finalist, Connagher Stumpff.
When asked why he wanted to take a seat on the board, Barrett said he relied heavily on the experiences of his two children going through the Gering school system. “Number one, I believe in serving our community and I don’t think there’s a better way to do that than serving the youth of our community to build that future, and build that stronger,” said Barrett. “I’ve seen, as I mentioned, firsthand, the quality of the staff and the teachers the Gering Schools have. For example, Mr. Thompson and his speech team, was really instrumental to my oldest son finding himself. (It) really made a difference in his life.”
The Vice President Ag Lender at Platte Valley Bank said while school financing may be different, he would be able to lean on his experience to help the district navigate financial matters.
Board President Greg Trautman said the district would have had an excellent addition with either candidate, and he encouraged Stumpff to run next year when seats on the board are up for election.