The vacancy that existed for an Area II school board trustee was filled by John "Doc" McNeely at the last school board meeting.

McNeely was one of two applicants who were interviewed for the position in the wake of former board member Polly Church's resignation.

In fact, it was Church who recommended to McNeely that he apply to the board.

"I've always loved kids and have been active in school programs and church programs," McNeely explained. "So I thought it was time I stepped up to the plate."

The semi-retired engineering and heavy construction manager has a wide array of experience in both business and government.

McNeely has been on the Nye County Federal Impact Advisory Board as well as the Parks and Recreation Commission.

In addition, he retired from working at Yucca Mountain in 2004 and has experience working with Trend Western, which deals with Air Force operations in southern Nevada.

"I have a fair idea how boards work and how government works," McNeely said.

McNeely, who lives in Amargosa Valley, told the board during his interview that he wants to be a board member because he believes he could "represent our area of the district."

"I'm looking forward to helping the educational programs in Nye County as it's growing," McNeely said during a later interview. "Part of the county is in the status quo and part of it is exploding, and we need to deal with both parts equitably."

Vice President Harold Tokerud agreed that a representative from the northern, more rural schools was important to the board.

"I really think we need the representation from Beatty and Amargosa," Tokerud said.

The motion to appoint McNeely was passed unanimously by the board, and after being duly sworn in he took his seat.