R-5 board welcomes new members

Dr. Warren Lovinger officially attended his last school board meeting as a member Wednesday evening at the special meeting held to certify the election results and swear in a new and a returning member.

Chris Ellis was re-elected to a three-year term, his fourth, and Mike McCaffree was elected to the seat formerly held by Lovinger, who decided to not run.

Lovinger said that he had enjoyed his tenure on the board, praised his fellow board members and gave McCaffree some advice.

"I've enjoyed myself very much and I'd be happy to do anything I can as a private citizen to help," Lovinger said. "I just have one piece of advice for Mike and that's to always keep the welfare of the kids in mind, everything you do, do for the kids, you can't go wrong if you do that."

Superintendent David Stephens took the chair as the board voted for Steve Cubbage as the new president of the board. Cubbage then took the gavel and the board elected Chris Ellis as the vice-president. The board voted to keep Melissa Hendrix and Rhonda Rowland as secretary and treasurer respectively.

The board then adjourned for a 20-minute break before beginning the regular monthly meeting. During the interlude a cake in honor of Lovinger was served to the board and guests.