Cherise Moore was selected Wednesday night to fill a vacant seat on the William S. Hart Union High School District governing board. In a 3-1 vote, board members made the selection after hearing from five candidates who applied for the position.

Moore is a senior researcher with the American Institutes for Research, a behavioral and social science research and evaluation organization that was founded as a nonprofit in 1946. She is involved with its California Adult Literacy Professional Development Project.

Moore is also a certificated Hart District employee who works in career and college readiness. She will resign from that position before taking office in April.

Moore said she applied for the position because she wanted to make a difference in the community. “I truly understand the benefits of public education,” she said.

With 30 years of public service experience, Moore said she couldn’t be more prepared or qualified to join the board. Moore holds a bachelor’s degree in political science, two master’s degrees and a Ph.D. in Public Administration.

When asked about the strengths and weaknesses in the Hart district, Moore stated she believed the students had access to amazing academics but recognizes not all students are achieving at the highest level.

“We need to pay attention to that and understand why,” she said.

Jayme Allsman, president of the Hart District Teachers Association, endorsed Moore and said she was the only candidate to reach out to the teachers.

Board member Steven Sturgeon, who voted for Moore, said he was looking for a candidate who was committed and demonstrated experience in all facets of education.

This is the third time in recent years that the Hart board has appointed a new member to the same seat. Chris Fall was appointed to fill the seat vacated by Paul Strickland when he moved away. When Fall resigned due to a work conflict, Rob Hall was appointed. Hall resigned to take a position with his company overseas. Moore will serve out the remainder of Hall’s term in District 3, which is up for election in November 2018.

Other candidates applying for the seat were Hilary Schardein, Kenneth Dean, TimBen Boydston and Teresa Todd, who received one vote.