DES MOINES, Iowa — Des Moines Public Schools has found someone to join its board following the death of longtime member Teree Caldwell-Johnson.
Skylar Mayberry-Mayes graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with a BA in finance before going to Iowa State University for an MBA in leadership and Drake University for a PhD in education. He was chosen from six candidates.
Mayberry-Mayes is currently the executive director of the Jacobson Institute at Grand View University, a program that aims to help students build business and other industry skills through "innovative" techniques.
"Being selected for the DMPS school board is an incredible opportunity to make a meaningful impact on our community’s education system,” Mayberry-Mayes said in a statement. "I look forward to helping shape the trajectory of education, ensuring that every student receives quality learning experiences and equitable opportunities to thrive."
Mayberry-Mayes will serve on the District 4 seat until the board's next election in November 2025.
Caldwell-Johnson, who joined the board in 2006, stepped down in early March citing "health challenges." She passed away just a few weeks later.
"It was a hard choice, but we felt Skylar Mayberry-Mayes is the right person at the right moment to represent the vision and values for District 4 and DMPS," board member Kim Martorano said in a statement.