The East Grand School District (EGSD) Board of Education appointed a new Board member during the most recent Board meeting, held Tuesday Feb. 2.

Bambi Statz, Ph.D., was appointed to the East Grand School District Board of Education Tuesday night to fill a seat vacated with the recent resignation of Board member Chip Besse from the Board of Ed. Besse resigned from the Board on Jan. 4 citing “professional and personal” reasons, according to East Grand Superintendent Jody Mimmack, Ph.D.

“I really believe in giving back to my community,” Statz said. “I think the most effective way I can contribute is by putting my life long experience in education to work. Due to my passion for public K through 12 education I really appreciate the opportunity to become more involved in my local school district.”

Statz brings a wealth of experience within the public education system to the Board. Statz, who is now retired, worked in public education in the state of Wisconsin for 40 years. During her tenure in Wisconsin Statz worked as a business and finance manager for school districts before becoming Assistant Superintendent for the State of Wisconsin where she oversaw finances for schools within the state.

Statz eventually received her doctorate and went to work for the University of Wisconsin serving in the College of Business & Economics for 14-years teaching and preparing future school administrators and finance directors.

Statz also served on various school boards in the state of Wisconsin for 12 years. She is excited for the upcoming Superintendent search process the EGSD is embarking on. “I think there is nothing more important that the Board does,” she said. “The timing intrigues me.”

Statz and her husband John have lived in Grand County full time for about three and one half years now but have owned property and vacationed in Grand County for over 25 years.

She and her husband considered moving to other communities in Colorado after retirement but choose Grand County because of the people they encountered here. “The beauty and recreation opportunities here are incomparable,” Statz said. “But the people here are what really convinced us; the kinds of organizations and opportunities, the people here are so inclusive.”

Statz will represent District No. 4 on the EGSD Board of Education, an area covering Fraser and Winter Park east of US Highway 40.