Winlock appoints Eitel to seat on School Board

Winlock School District Superintendent Shannon Criss (left) administers the oath of office to newly-appointed Board Member Tony Eitel (right) during the Jan. 21 regular meeting of the Winlock School Board. Eitel's seat had been vacated after long-serving board member Kay Raupp resigned in November and, as a parent of students currently enrolled in the district, board members said they hope Eitel can bring fresh perspective to their leadership.

The Winlock School Board has appointed resident Tony Eitel to a position left vacant since former board member Kay Raupp resigned in November.

Eitel, who has two children currently enrolled in the district and a third expected to begin kindergarten next year, was sworn in after the board unanimously appointed him during their regular meeting on Jan. 21.

"I just thought I would have a real keen interest in what goes on in the district," said Eitel of his intention, as a parent, to seek appointment. "I'd like to be able to help out in any way I can."

After Raupp's resignation on Nov. 19, she stated in a letter to the board she hoped a parent with local students would seek to fill her spot, as no other board members currently have any enrollees.

During his appointment, the board said Eitel's perspective as a parent is something they are encouraged to include in their leadership of the district, with Board Chair Pam Spencer stating they are "excited" to have him as an official.

"I think it's great," she said.

Board Member Fred Terry added he is encouraged to see someone like Eitel join the board who has chosen to invest their family in the community and spend their lives in the Winlock area.

Eitel is expected to serve through the end of this November, after the results of the General Election are certified, at which time a board member chosen through the election will begin a full term on the board. If he so chose, Eitel would be allowed to run for his seat during the election.