The School District 49 board of education filled a vacant seat during a special meeting Wednesday, April 28. By unanimous vote, the board approved Ms. Ivy Liu to serve as board director for district 4, which covers neighborhoods on the western D49 boundary along Powers Blvd, in between Stetson Hills and North Carefree Cir.

“I am passionate about enabling young people for success through education,” Ms. Liu shared in her application. “I believe this is an amazing opportunity for me to fulfill my passion and contribute to my community.”

The seat in director district 4 opened officially in March with the resignation of John Koster, who stepped down due to a change in residence. Liu was the sole applicant to an open invitation for candidates. She interviewed in a public meeting with the board of education April 21, and was sworn in a week later following the unanimous vote.

Liu, a mother of five, comes to the position of director with more than 30 years of organizational management and leadership experience, which includes serving as an officer in the United States Navy, owning her own business and working in youth ministry at her church. She is a 15-plus year resident of Colorado Springs, and has lived in D49 for four years.

“Our children in the education system will be the leaders of tomorrow. It is critical and nonnegotiable that they receive the benefits of a stalwart educational system and thus an unshakeable foundation upon which they will build communities and country,” Liu shared. “I hope to become a part of the team that will enable this process.”

Ms. Liu will hold the seat through the upcoming election season, and will campaign this fall to maintain her position on the Board of Education for the remaining two years of the current term.