From left Southwestern Central School President Kurt Gustafson looks at his notes before asking Michael Carothers, right, a question during a Southwestern Central School Board meeting Tuesday. P-J photo by Michael Zabrodsky

After a half-hour executive session, Southwestern Central School Board of Education members Tuesday appointed Michael Carothers to fill an open seat.

Board members voted unanimously, and without any discussion.

“We will welcome Mr. Carothers,” Board President Kurt Gustafson said.”I just want it known that this was a difficult choice. It’s excellent to see people step up and join a school board.”

Carothers, a Lakewood resident, along with a second board candidate, Randy Elf, a town of Ellicott resident, were interviewed during the public session.

Gustafson added that SWCS would have benefitted by either Carothers or Elf.

Carothers and Elf each answered questions posed by board members, separately, one at a time, as they both were asked to leave the room when the other was being interviewed. The board did not interview them together, like a debate, or a forum-style meeting.

ELf told board members he is a lawyer and also contributes to The Post-Journal.

Carothers told the board that he is a licensed clinical social worker, and has a master’s degree in social work. Board members learned during the interview that he has a background in human services, mental health, and mental crisis work. He is employed by UPMC Health Insurance, in Erie, Pa.

“I also think that can bring a perspective that will allow a diverse level of thinking, maybe be able to create some new connections that you didn’t realize, didn’t know you had or could make. I think I may be able to help with that,” Carothers told board members.

One of the questions posed to the candidates was “What do you believe is the role of a school board member?”

“I think the school board member represents your community – different areas in your community and what is going on within your community,” Carothers said.

“The role of the school board members to be a trustee of this institution that we have inherited from our forefathers now 75 years, and conserve that institution for the next generation. And provide the best education we can for all of our pupils, and recognize that all the pupils have different abilities and different talents,” Elf said.

At its re-organizational meeting in July, the board accepted the immediate resignation of member James Butler.

Carothers will begin in December and serve the rest of Butler’s term.