Agda Burchard was sworn in as the newest Kent School Board director by Superintendent Dr. Edward Lee Vargas.

Burchard is filling the vacancy left by Bill Boyce who resigned after 16 years to focus on his new responsibilities as a Kent City Council member.

Burchard was selected by the school board after the elected officials had interviewed three candidates for the position.

Board members interviewed the candidates during a special meeting on Tuesday, June 26 and announced their selection after recessing to confer on the candidates’ qualifications.

Burchard has lived in the community for 20 years, and has been involved in the Kent School District as a PTA member and most recently as president of the Kent Area Council PTA.

She is a consultant in early childhood education.

Burchard and her husband have a daughter attending Kentwood High School. “I am excited and honored to be appointed to the Kent School Board.

Being a school board director has long been a goal of mine since I care deeply about kids and education.

I want to help make it possible for all kids in Kent School District to enter kindergarten school ready, increase their academic achievement, and graduate ready for success in college, career, and community life,” Burchard said.