Leiker named new Hays USD 489 board president

By KARI BLURTON
Hays Post

At the beginning of Monday’s Board of Education meeting, James Leiker was appointed the new USD 489 board president and Marty Patterson was named vice president.

As is customary, the first school board meeting in July is the reorganization session. Both Leiker and Patterson will serve one-year terms.

Leiker was serving as the board’s vice president and is a Democratic candidate for the state Legislature, as well. He is running in the 111th District against incumbent Rep. Sue Boldra, R-Hays.

Leiker was not present as Monday’s meeting, so Patterson immediately took what he laughingly called the “hot seat” as acting president for the remainder of the meeting.

Patterson told Hays Post he knew Leiker was going to be appointed the president, but said it was a nice surprise to be elected vice president.

“I feel privileged to be a part of the USD 489. I know sometimes talk gets negative here, but I am very pleased to have the nomination and pleased to serve,” Patterson said.

Leiker replaces Greg Schwartz as president, and Patterson is taking Leiker’s former role as vice president.