Affton School Board Appoints New Member

At a special meeting Tuesday night, the Affton School Board interviewed and appointed Patricia Zahn to the board seat left vacant by .

“I’m really passionate about what’s possible here,” Zahn told the board at the start of the interview. “And I’m a quick study.”

Zahn has lived in the 23 years and has one son who spent his school years in the district, graduating in 2006. She works as the community outreach and engagement manager at University of Missouri, St. Louis (UMSL) and has a master’s degree in public policy administration from UMSL.

“I can complain about things that are going on, I can get excited about things that are going on…but I need to take ownership of that,” Zahn said when asked why she applied for the position. “This is a really good time in my life for me to be here and to offer my service.”

After the interview, board Vice President Doug Beck said Zahn would bring a different perspective and expertise to the group. “I think you’ll challenge the board,” he said.

“She’s a very good candidate and will do well on the board,” board president Michael McNeil told Patch after the meeting.

Alexander, who had served on the Affton School Board for three years, resigned at the board’s June meeting, citing health issues. The district put out a call for candidates to fill the open position until the next school board election in April 2012.

Zahn was the only applicant.

In April an election will be held, and the winner will serve the remaining two years of Alexander’s term.

After Zahn was sworn in, the board held the first reading of a new policy clarifying the appointment process. The proposed policy will give the board the power to reissue its call for candidates if they feel they do not get enough applicants in the first two-week span.