A former South Whidbey school board member was chosen to serve out the term of a recently vacated seat.

School board members have picked Steve Scoles to fill the seat left empty by Greg Gilles’ resignation in September.

Scoles and two other candidates were interviewed by board members during a special meeting Nov. 8. The board went into executive session to discuss the candidates, and voted in open session on their choice.

“It’s good to be back,” Scoles said.

The other two candidates for the position were Delores Fresh and Ann Dotson.

Scoles will serve out Gilles term, which runs until November 2007.

“A lot has happened in the district during the past two and a half years,” he said. “The current superintendent, Fred McCarthy and the other board members are the best team the district has had in a long time.”

Scoles said his top issue will be addressing the school district’s declining enrollment.

“I want to ask parents what our district can do to keep their kids in South Whidbey’s schools. How do we retain students when there seems to be a shift in population?” Scoles asked.

Another area Scoles will target is funding for the district’s highly-capable program. He also wants to raise the bar for all students.

Scoles served on the school board from 1995 to 1999. He defeated Rufus Rose in 1995 for the seat, and then lost to Ray Gabelein in 1999.

Scoles and his wife, Nancy have three sons. Two have graduated from South Whidbey High School; the eldest, Jonathan, graduated from the University of Washington this year, and Brian is a sophomore at Stanford University in Pal Alto, Calif. Their youngest son, Dylan, is a sophomore at the high school.

Scoles said his own children benefited from their education in South Whidbey schools.

“All three boys are doing very well. I am glad for the opportunity to serve the district,” he said.

Nancy Scoles is a science teacher at the Maxwelton Salmon Adventure and Whidbey Island Academy.

Gayle Saran can be reached at 221-5300 or gsara@southwhidbeyrecord.com.