The West Ada Board of Trustees on Monday appointed special education substitute teacher Evelyn McCullough to fill a vacancy in Zone 2.
Chair Lori Frasure said each trustee has a lane and the board has been missing special education representation.
“That is the piece that with Evelyn stuck out to me quite profoundly,” Frasure said.
McCullough studied business at Boise State University and, in addition to substitute teaching at Mountain View High School, is a fundraising coordinator for Boise Timbers Thorns soccer club. She has three kids, including one who recently graduated from West Ada schools. After being a stay-at-home mom for 15 years, she decided to start substitute teaching.
“It has given me such an amazing perspective of the wide range of schools that we have,” McCullough said.
McCullough has a family member with special needs.
“This combination of personal and professional experience has shaped my commitment to ensuring that students with special needs receive the resources, individualized support, and opportunities they deserve,” she wrote in her application.
She will fill the vacancy left by trustee Lucas Baclayon, who recently resigned. The term expires Dec. 31, 2027.
Five candidates applied for the vacancy, but one candidate did not show up for the interview.
McCullough described herself as a unifier who can listen to people objectively without choosing a side. Through her classroom experience, she has heard some of the needs and complaints among teachers and administrators.
“I feel like I can lend some of my knowledge there,” McCullough said.
Trustee David Binetti said she appreciated the cohesion of McCullough’s interview and felt that she had the most complete responses.
“I cannot emphasize enough how deeply, deeply I appreciate every single one of you for stepping up,” Binetti told the four candidates.
Trustee Rene Ozuna said there is value in having different experiences on the board. Baclayon had classroom experience, which none of the other trustees have.
“Evelyn, I did think you shine in that area,” Ozuna said. “There’s a lot of value in getting that back on our board.”
