Fred Davis chosen to fill DeKalb school board vacancy

DeKALB – Fred Davis, a DeKalb resident who previously served on the DeKalb School District 428 board, took the oath of office this week to fill a school board vacancy created by Andre Powell, now a city alderman.

Powell resigned from his position with the district in late May after he was appointed to serve the vacant 5th Ward aldermanic position with the DeKalb City Council.

“We, once again, thank Powell for his service, of the time that he served on the board with us,” Board President Deyci Ramirez said. “We wish him well.”

Though Davis was administered the oath of office by Ramirez this week, the school board neglected to hold a formal vote. In a statement to Shaw Local News Network Friday, Ramirez said that was an oversight and will be remedied.

“Although the Board unanimously agreed to appoint Mr. Fred Davis following the candidate interviews, we neglected to formally vote on his appointment prior to his being sworn in at the June 18 Board of Education Meeting per District 428 Board Policy. We regret this oversight, and the Board will ensure that a public vote is held at the next regular board meeting, and Mr. Davis will repeat the oath of office at that time,” Ramirez said in a statement provided by the district Friday night.

District officials said nine people submitted applications vying for the vacant position, and seven went on to be interviewed and given consideration as the board weighed its decision.

In remarks to the board, Superintendent Minerva Garcia-Sanchez welcomed Davis.

“I’m looking forward to getting to know you much better,” Garcia-Sanchez said.

This story was updated at 6:50 p.m. June 21, 2024, with a statement provided by District 428 officials to address the lack of vote held Tuesday to confirm Fred Davis’ appointment to the school board.