GLENWOOD SPRINGS- The Roaring Fork Re-1 School Board appointed Bill Shirley of Basalt to a school board seat Wednesday.

Shirley was appointed to replace board member Bruce Matherly, who resigned with 2.5 years left in his term, said school board president Robin Garvik.

The board cannot make an appointment for longer than two years. Shirley will serve on the board until November, when he would have to be elected to remain on the board, Garvik said.

---

---

Garvik said the decision between Shirley and another candidate, Michael Bair, was difficult.

“We chose Mr. Shirley wishing we had more than one seat available,” she said.

---

---

Shirley said he’d thought about running for a school board position in the past, but was not looking for a seat on the school board.

“It’s a job that came looking for me more than I went looking for it,” he said.

Shirley said he was discussing community politics with friends at a party prior to the board seat opening and mentioned that if he were to ever run for public office he would run for the school board.

“That’s where you can really make a difference in the fabric of the community,” he said.

When the seat became available, Shirley’s friends asked if he was serious about running, said Shirley.

Shirley said he thought about it for a few days, looked at the issues, and sought the appointment.

“I decided I can make a difference,” he said.

Shirley moved to the area from Kansas City, Kan., in 1989 to retire. Retirement didn’t last long, however, and Shirley was soon teaching skiing and working as an executive leadership coach. His business, In Search of Eagles, helps business leaders with teamwork and employee selection.

Shirley said he was struck by the wisdom and integrity of the Roaring Fork School Board.

“I was deeply impressed with the thoughtfulness, thoroughness, and consideration of the board, and I hope I can add to it,” he said.

“It’s a big job and a big accolade,” said Shirley.

Contact Ryan Graff: 945-8515, ext. 535

rgraff@postindependent.com