New board member likes to communicate
And he wants to talk about the strength of local schools
West Allis — The newest member of the West Allis-West Milwaukee School Board is George Sotiros, appointed this week to fill the seat previously held by the late Bob Kitchen.
Sotiros, 43, was selected by the board from a pool of four other candidates. He will take the oath of office on Monday.
The father of four children and a graduate of Nathan Hale High School graduate, Sotiros works as a vice president of information systems for Weyco Group.
Sotiros said he applied for the position to make a difference in education and be involved in the community.
Building an understanding
Communication was a central theme in his interview with the board.
Noting the competitive nature of Open Enrollment, he told board members at a special meeting Monday that one of his goals is to improve "getting the word out on the wonderful things" happening around the schools.
Consistent with his technology background, Sotiros said he had previously approached district officials about broadcasting online the events that are shown on cable Channel 13.
He also said he would convey opinions of parents and others in the School District community at the board level.
Sotiros praised the number of other candidates who applied.
Picking a candidate
Each of the five candidates were given the same four questions, and in accordance board rules set before the meeting, there were no follow-up questions allowed.
Applicants were asked why they wanted to be on the board, how the district could be improved, how they would see their role as a board member and whether they would run for re-election in the spring.
Sotiros received at least the five votes that were required to win the seat. Board members voted by secret ballot, so the vote breakdown was not known.
Sotiros' term will expire in April, and he said he plans on running for re-election.
Remembering Kitchen
Sotiros acknowledged in an interview afterward it was not an "opportune time" to take the position previously held by Kitchen, who died in September.
"Bob did so many wonderful things for this community," Sotiros said.
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