It’s hardly a mandate, but District 186 school board members voted 4-3 for Micah Miller to be their new president over incumbent Tony Mares. Erica Austin will be vice president.

New board members Ken Gilmore attended their first meeting.

After the meeting, Miller downplayed the significance of the change, saying he and Mares are now the longest-tenured board members. Reminded he is often a voice of opposition – voting against the Eleventh St. / Stevenson Dr. site for a new school and voting against the superintendent’s contract extension – Miller said having all 7-0 votes during meetings may be easier, but it’s better to have at least one person take a “deeper dive” into issues.