Trustees select district conservationist to fill empty seat

GOSHEN COUNTY – Last week, Goshen County School District No. 1 board of trustees Chairman Charlie Harshberger officially swore in residents Ryan Clayton and Heather Saul to fill two seats vacated by former members Dr. Robert Byrd and Linda Kessler. The appointment followed an application process and special executive session to interview six applicants.

Clayton is originally from southeast Idaho and currently works as district conservationist for the Natural Resources Conservation Service in Goshen County. He has a wife and two children.
“I had thought of running in the past, but the timing just didn’t work with my family situation,” he said, adding, at the time, he and his wife had recently welcomed another child. “So, when Dr. Byrd and Mrs. Kessler resigned, I viewed it as an opportunity to learn more about the function of the school board as it works with district personnel to provide quality education for our children.”
Clayton said he believes preparing students for “the next step in life” through education is the goal.
“Funding seems to be the headliner these days, and rightfully so. Education costs money. But really the challenge of providing quality education that prepares students for the next step in life is the focus,” he said. “We just have to figure out how to do that with whatever funds are available in any given budget year. Not an easy task, but
achievable.
“I’ve followed the work of the school board since moving here, and I think my perspective can be a beneficial additive to the board,” Clayton continued. “I know the board has the collective goal of providing the best education possible, and I’m honored to be a part of
this group.”
Clayton will serve the remainder of term – until November 2018 – when his seat will be up
for election.
Residents can reach Clayton by contacting his district email at rclayton@goshen1.org.