By raising their right hands and pledging to uphold the U.S. and Kentucky consitutions, three members of Warren County Public Schools’ Board of Education were reaffirmed in their positions Tuesday evening. 

Board members Don Basham, Garry Chaffin and Becky Evans were sworn in by Warren Family Court Judge David Lanphear during a board meeting. All three were incumbents and will serve four-year terms. 

Following the ceremony, board members also voted on positions of chair, vice chair, treasurer and secretary. Kerry Young won re-election as chair, Chaffin was elected vice chair, Superintendent Rob Clayton was voted secretary and Chris McIntyre was elected board treasurer. 

Chaffin, who is entering his third term, said he was motivated to join the board in the “hope that I could help make a difference for the kids of our community.” 

Chaffin, who likens being a board member to a job in itself, said it requires a big time commitment and hours of preparation before meetings. However, it has paid off for him.

“Student success in general is just always very exciting to be a part of,” he said. 

Looking ahead, Chaffin anticipates the new 750-student elementary school going up next to Henry F. Moss Middle School as a big project for the board. Chaffin, along with board member Amy Duvall, is on the design committee for that project. 

Chaffin also expects obstacles to fully funding public education to remain an ongoing challenge. Not enough money from the federal and the state government continues to create budget challenges for the district, he said. 

“We hope to work with lawmakers to fulfill our commitment to our children for a free public education,” he said. 

Basham is entering his fourth term. Initially, Basham said he was motivated to become a member by previous board member Mike Wilson after Basham filled a role on the site-based decision-making council for Briarwood Elementary School. 

Despite the occasional frustrations of dealing with lawmakers, Basham said he’s enjoyed the post, particularly seeing students graduate each year. He’s tried to expand access to technology education by aiming to create engineering spaces in each high school. Basham said Greenwood High School has made great strides on that front, adding a 3-D printer and other equipment. 

“It’s amazing how much they’ve already done and taken to it,” he said of the students. 

Evans is starting her third term and said she was inspired to get more involved with the district when her children were in elementary school. Her children have since graduated, but Evans said she wants to continuing striving to offer education opportunities for all students. 

“We never want to be satisfied with the status quo,” she said. 

— Follow education reporter Aaron Mudd on Twitter @BGDN_edbeat or visit bgdailynews.com.