Trustees in the Denair Unified School District turned to a familiar face to fill a vacancy on the board Thursday night, unanimously choosing to appoint Kathi Dunham-Filson.

Dunham-Filson was one of three applicants interviewed publicly Thursday at a special board meeting. The others were Cheryl Rice and Johnny Chavez II. All sought to fill the opening created when former Trustee Crystal Sousa resigned last month. The term runs through November 2026.

The board opted to appoint a replacement for Sousa rather than call for a costly special election. In Dunham-Filson, they found an experienced successor.

Dunham-Filson first joined to the board in 2013 – when the district was in deep financial trouble -- and was twice re-elected. Last fall, she finished fourth in a five-way race for three seats that saw newcomers Andrea Bennett and Jason DeMuro elected for the first time and incumbent Ray Prock Jr. re-elected.

In her application for the open seat, Dunham-Filson said her decision to apply was “driven by a deep commitment to the continued success of our schools.”

“While we have made significant progress – restoring financial stability, maintaining a responsibly balanced budget for the past decade and fostering positive relationships with our schools and community – there is still important work to be done,” she wrote. “Through strategic hiring, we have brought in the right people and the right time to meet the district’s evolving needs. I am eager to contribute my knowledge and leadership to help navigate the road ahead, ensuring that Denair Unified remains a thriving district for students, staff and families alike.”

Dunham-Filson has a deep understanding of educational issues, having worked for the Stanislaus County Office of Education for many years.

“Having an experienced and dedicated board member come back to the board helps to ensure that we don't lose momentum as a district,” said Denair Superintendent Terry Metzger. “Kathi is a champion for our mission, programs and families.”

Prock, the board’s current president, also cited Dunham-Filson’s knowledge of education as an asset. He also applauded her for her leadership in helping to pass Measure Z last fall, a school bond that will provide money to upgrade and add to the district’s facilities for years to come.

“Her commitment to students is unwavering, she was instrumental in the recent success of Measure Z and will be a great addition to our governance team and our commitment to continue improving student successes,” Prock said.

Dunham-Filson will be sworn in at the April 10 board meeting.