By KARI BLURTON
Hays Post

James Leiker is the new USD 489 Board of Education vice president.

Leiker was unanimously voted into the position at Monday’s USD 489’s board meeting. Members also formally accepted the resignation of former vice president Darren Schumacher.

Schumacher is the former general manager of the now-closed Carlos O’Kelly’s and will be relocating to Manhattan.

Leiker told Hays Post he is excited about his new position and is “really starting to look forward to the job duties that entails.”

“I’m definitely sad to see Darren go — that’s a lot of years of experience — but excited to step into those shoes and continue learning what the entire board of education entails,” Leiker added.

Schumacher’s departure also leaves an empty seat on the school board.

Board members adopted a resolution to post a board vacancy notice. Once the notice is posted, those who are interested in filling the position can apply. There is a 15-day waiting period before a new board member can be appointed to fill the remainder of Schumacher’s term.