JEFFERSON TWP — Matt Cimbala's term on the South Butler County School Board expired this year, and he shared a fond farewell with his fellow board members last month as he had decided not to run for another term.

But because of a 6-2 vote at the board's reorganization meeting Wednesday night, Cimbala was sworn back in and seated at the board without missing a single meeting.

The board accepted the resignation of board member Bob Goodlin on Wednesday night, which was the only other item on the reorganization agenda.

But before the business of the short reorganization meeting began, Cimbala read a statement asking the board to appoint him to Goodlin's seat and listed the reasons why he would be a good choice.

After the board selected Donna Eakin and Rebecca Boyd as president and vice president, respectively, the board approved Goodlin's resignation.

New board member Dale Fennell, who also was sworn in Wednesday night, then made a motion to appoint Cimbala to serve the two years left in the term vacated by Goodlin.

Board member George Zacherl wholeheartedly objected to appointing Cimbala and said he felt other candidates in the most recent election should be given a chance to serve Goodlin's term.

He suggested the board give the public 30 days to submit letters requesting to be appointed and the board conduct interviews to choose the right candidate.

Zacherl also took issue with Cimbala's appointment not appearing on the agenda, suggesting that the action violated the Sunshine Law regarding open meetings.

“There's a lot of backroom deals to get this done and further stack the board to make sure a certain agenda is met,” Zacherl said.

Boyd said given Cimbala's decade of experience on the board, he was singularly suited to fill the seat.

“I fully support this,” Boyd said.

Zacherl continued to oppose the move.

“Matt had his opportunity to run and seek re-election and he elected not to,” he said.

Board member Debra Miller said while she had no problem with Cimbala as a school board member, she does not want the public to look at the move as “cronyism.”

“Is this really the right thing for the district at this time?” Miller said. “I'm not sure.”

She also advocated giving others a chance to apply for the seat.

Zacherl made a motion to eliminate the motion to appoint Cimbala to the vacant seat.

That motion failed 6-2, with Zacherl and Miller voting in favor.

Cimbala was approved for the seat 6-2, with Zacherl and Miller dissenting.

District Judge Sue Haggerty then swore Cimbala in, and he moved from his seat in the audience to the board.

District Solicitor Tom Breth did not comment on Zacherl's Sunshine Law accusation during the discussion or votes.