7/15/03 After accepting the resignation of longtime member Maryann Goodwin, effective July 11, Board of Education members voted at Monday/s meeting to solicit applications from the community for the 15 months remaining on Goodwin/s four-year term.

A new member is expected to be seated by mid-August, giving the board five voting members for the first time since March.

Board President Sue Schuyler noted that the board was in agreement that the cost of the only other alternative 77 calling for a special election 77would be prohibitive and unnecessary.

In making a motion to appoint a fifth member, Board member Ken Ostini emphasized that the appointed member will run for re-election on the November 2004 ballot.

Goodwin has served on the board since 1996, and is currently board clerk. She has missed board meetings due to health reasons, according to previous statements by the departing Superintendent Debra Bradley.

"Recently, circumstances have been such that my presence at the board table has been interrupted. Upon personal reflection, I feel … it is appropriate at this time for me to resign … My years of serving Lompoc children in the capacity of both teacher and board member have brought me untold personal joy and satisfaction as well as professional pride," Goodwin wrote in her resignation letter.

In other action, Carnell Edwards, director of curriculum and project support services, was named Assistant Superintendent for Education Support Services, replacing Ann Gary, who will be come superintendent on Aug. 1.

"I am excited to be in this role. With Mrs. Gary at the helm, we have the nucleus to form a knowledgeable, understanding and compassionate administration," Edwards said. "We have many challenges ahead of us, but we have a team that/s poised to make positive changes."

Edwards, 50, has 26 years of experience as an educator, including two years with LUSD. Previously, he served as the founding principal of Elsie Allen High School in Santa Rosa for seven years and principal of Grace Davis High School in Modesto for five years. He has 10 years experience as a classroom teacher in North Carolina and California.

Staff writer Carol Benham can be reached at 736-2313, Ext. 105, or by e-mail at cbenham@pulitzer.net