Elysian Fields High School alumni Josh Tiller and Ronnie Vickers have been appointed to the Elysian Fields ISD Board of Trustees to serve out the remaining terms of former trustees Sean Swank and Bradley Lewis, who stepped down from their seats over the summer.
The appointments were announced during Monday evening’s regular August meeting, and both new trustees will be sworn in during the board’s special called meeting on Aug. 28.
State law requires that any vacated school board seats be filled by either board appointment or special election, a decision that is left to each individual board. Mr. Tiller and Mr. Vickers will complete the current term for both seats, which are up for re-election in November 2024.
Mr. Tiller is an Elysian Fields native and a graduate of the EFHS Class of 2001. After graduation, he attended Panola College for one year before completing his degree in Biomedical Science at Texas A&M. He attended Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and graduated in 2009.
While in College Station, Josh met his wife, Bethany, and they have three daughters – Brinley, Breelyn, and Brenna.
He is a partner at Animal Medical Center with offices in Carthage and Henderson. In his spare time, Josh enjoys spending time with family, taking care of his cattle, and playing golf.
“Elysian Fields is a very special place to me and I am honored to serve on the EFISD school board to help guide our school district over the next year,” Mr. Tiller, who is also the son of Bill and Elaine Tiller, said. “I got a solid foundation by starting my education in EFISD, and I hope to do my small part to ensure the next generation of Jackets has every opportunity to excel in the classroom and on the field.”
Mr. Ronnie Vickers is a 1987 graduate of EFHS and has spent over 35 years in the electrical trade, including being self-employed as an electrician since 2004. He and his wife, Cristie, were married in 1993 and have two children – Byron, a 2017 EFHS graduate, and Baylee, who is currently a senior at EFHS.
Mr. Vickers previously served eight years as an EFISD trustee from 2008-2016.
“I truly believe EFISD to be the best place to raise our children and there has never been a time when I didn’t feel like my kids were being educated in a safe, caring environment,” Vickers said. “I know our district has faced some challenges over the last few years but I do believe that we are heading in the right direction.”
“I’m excited to see new leadership in key positions in our district and look forward to working with the board to make sure that everyone has what they need to succeed in their new roles,” Vickers added. “I appreciate the opportunity to serve on the board for the remainder of the vacated term and I pray for a successful school year! Go Jackets!”
Tiller and Vickers will join the current EFISD school board that includes Mrs. Julie Simmons, Mrs. Kim Baugh, Mr. Lynn Calhoun, Mrs. Ashley Caudle, and Mr. Brad Ellis. Simmons serves as the Board President.