By GINNY COOPER MCCARLEY / Staff Writer

COLUMBIANA—The Shelby County Board of Education approved Kevin Morris as the interim school board member during the Aug. 7 meeting following the resignation of Board Member Steve Martin, which went into effect on July 31.

Board Member Peg Hill made the motion to appoint Morris to the board and Jane Hampton seconded the motion. Board Member Jimmy Bice abstained from voting.

“I certainly don’t want to vote against this candidate, because he’s a fantastic candidate,” Bice said.

The board also interviewed Joyce Lewis and Jim Davis for the position during an Aug. 7 work session.

“It was a heart wrenching decision, very challenging,” Board President Aubrey Miller said during the meeting, noting the worthiness of all candidates.

“This is one of the most difficult things we’ve ever had to do,” Hampton said. “We had a lot of great candidates.”

Morris ran against Martin for the position in 2012, losing the race with 48 percent of the vote.

Morris, who lives with his wife and three children in Wilsonville, is the vice president of the American First Federal Credit Union.

His background in finance allows him to bring a unique perspective as a board member, Morris told board members during his interview for the position on Aug. 7.

“Coming from the business world outside of (education), my financial background, the different processes I’ve been involved in…I think that I could bring that professional approach,” Morris said.

When asked what change he would bring to Shelby County schools, Morris said he would not make drastic changes, but seek to be involved in the process.

“I want to roll up my sleeves and support the process that is already ongoing,” Morris said. “We’re doing something right here.”