Barney Gordon was appointed on Tuesday to replace former Turlock Unified School District Trustee Grady Welch, who resigned his post in July with more than two years left in his term. Gordon was one of four candidates who were publicly interviewed at Tuesday's board meeting.

"It takes a lot of time and commitment to serve as a board member, but it’s worth every minute that you spend,” said Trustee Tami Muniz.

Gordon said that he put his name in for consideration because of his extended involvement in the community and school district. He is the current president of the Turlock Education Foundation, chairman of the Parks and Recreation Committee for the City of Turlock and member of the Budget Advisory Committee for the district.

"I think public education is a great equalizer in our world,” said Gordon. "It can solve many of the world’s problems.”

Gordon started his career in the military as an instructor and went on to get a job at the Modesto City Schools overseeing the technology at the school district. He has a Bachelors of Science degree in technology and a Masters in Business Administration. He is currently a director of technology with implementation of computer labs.

The other candidates who were interviewed on Tuesday were Llewellyn Boyle, Deborah Martin and Marsha Memmot. Gordon's trustee term will run until November 2015.