Hays USD 489 has received seven applications to fill a vacant seat left by a departing board of education member.

Darren Schumacher resigned his seat after a career change forced him to relocate to Manhattan. The board will hear from all seven applicants at its meeting Monday before appointing one to fill just more than a year remaining on Schumacher’s term.

According to USD 489’s website, Dr. Paul Adams has submitted his name for consideration.

Adams, who earned his bachelor’s degree from Heidelberg College in Tiffin, Ohio, his master’s degree in physics from Washington State University, and his doctorate in curriculum and instruction from Purdue University, is a professor of physics at Fort Hays State University. His wife, Cheryl Shepherd-Adams, is a science teacher at Hays High School.

The other candidates announced are Jerald Braun, Mandy Fox, Patrick Scott, Kris Munsch, Sarah Rankin and Luke Oborny. Applicants had until Friday to apply for the vacancy.

Braun, a Fort Hays State University graduate with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, formerly was a teacher at Felten Middle School and has 17 years of total education experience. Braun earned his master’s degree in instructional technology from FHSU.

Fox, a Kansas State University graduate with a bachelor’s degree in agronomy, is owner of Fox-Z Consulting, an environmental consulting business, and has worked for K-State, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Texas A&M University, where she earned her master’s degree in soil science.

Scott, who graduated from FHSU with a degree in elementary education and received his master’s from FHSU in school administration, is a former Victoria math teacher and coach, serving from 1976 to 2008. Since 1990, he also has been a sales representative with The Meckenstock Group.

Munsch, who earned a bachelor’s degree in technology education and a master’s in school administration from Fort Hays State University, is a former teacher and longtime home inspector. He also is an assistant professor at FHSU.

Rankin, a University of Kansas graduate with degrees in business administration and sociology, serves on the board of directors of Hays Medical Center Foundation, and is fundraising chairwoman for the O’Loughlin PTA, where she has volunteered since 2010.

For more information on the candidates, click HERE and HERE. The board will meet at 6:30 p.m. Monday at Rockwell Administration Center.