The South Washington County School Board on Friday chose Kathleen McElwee-Stevens as its newest member.

McElwee-Stevens, who has worked as a paraprofessional at Newport Elementary School since 2003, will serve until the election next fall. She will be sworn in on Thursday, Jan. 10. 

The Newport resident fills the position vacated by Board Chair Leslee Boyd, who in October 2012 announced her resignation and plans to move out of state.

In a statement, Superintendent Keith Jacobus said he “is pleased with the comprehensive process the board put together to select a candidate and is excited to work with Katy as a Board member.”

McElwee-Stevens served on the district's school board in 2006-07 and is an active parent/volunteer in the district, according to a release. McElwee-Stevens also works at Newport City Hall and served on the Newport Planning Commission from 2003-05.

Asked in the interview process why she wanted to be on the school board, McElwee-Stevens said she “wants to help lead this community and support the school district. As a parent and employee in the district, I see the needs and perspectives of both sides of the equation,” according to the release.

She has a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from the University of Minnesota, and has taken post graduation courses in psychology–human resources there as well.

The board interviewed five candidates during a special meeting Friday.

Like Patch on Facebook | Follow us on Twitter | Sign up for our free newsletter