After months of interviewing and what some called foot-dragging, Gov. Rick Scott yesterday appointed former Sebastian City Councilwoman Dale Simchick to fill the vacant position on the Indian River County School Board.  The District 2 seat has been open since July, when Jeff Pelger resigned and moved to the west coast of Florida.

Unlike many of the 17 applicants who sought the appointment, Simchick, 55, lives in District 2 and will be able to run for election in 2014, when the 4-year term she is to fill will expire.  Three school board seats will be up for election next year, District 1, District 2 and District 4.  Simchick, an employee with the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office, will represent the southern half of Sebastian, Wabasso and the northern barrier island.

Simchick, who is currently on the board of the Sebastian Charter Junior High School, received word from the Governor’s office yesterday afternoon of her appointment. She attended last night’s School Board meeting as a member of the public.  The Board, however, must first schedule a swearing in for Simchick, after her paperwork is processed.

Simchick was quotes as saying, “I am very anxious to get to work.”

While serving on the the Sebastian City Council, Simchick continued in her full time position with the Sheirff’s Office.  Simchick said she spoke with Sheriff Deryl Loar when she first applied for the open School Board seat in July and he is supportive.

On her Facebook page this morning, Simchick posted, “I have finally had a moment to sit down and share my excitement and news! Close to 3 p.m. I was called by Governor Rick Scott informing me he has chosen me to serve as Indian River School Board Member District 2. Many of you were pulling for me, wrote letters and had encouraging words. I will be sworn in sometime Thursday morning as soon as they can find a Judge who is available! Thanks to all, I am blessed to have such good friends.”