The Springfield School Board has appointed former city councilor Bob Brew as its newest member following several rounds of voting.
Brew previously served on the Springfield City Council and has worked in finance and administration for various local and state government agencies, including the Oregon Student Access Commission. He has also participated in several state and local task forces.
Board members initially struggled to reach a decision, deadlocking three times while choosing between finalists Matthew Brandt and Zach Bessett. Members Jonathan Light and Amber Langworthy supported Brandt, citing his engagement with community concerns and willingness to listen.
Meanwhile, board members Ken Kohl and Nicole DeGraff backed Bessett, pointing to his experience in child welfare and previous school board work.
During a fourth vote, the board reached consensus on Brew, who had earlier been identified by Light as one of the top candidates.
Light said Brew’s professional background and community involvement would bring valuable experience to the board.
Brew will replace former board member Heather Quaas-Annsa, who resigned amid a recall effort linked to a controversial mid-year budget cut vote. Quaas-Annsa had also reported facing harassment and threats related to her role on the board.
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