Nicole Watts was sworn in as a board member and Deja Reed was sworn in as a student advisor during the Aug. 12 Arlington School Board meeting.
Watts was appointed to serve as the Director District No. 3 following the resignation of former director Michael Kingman. Director District #3 serves the areas north and west of Arlington including Bryant and Silvana. Four candidates were interviewed for the vacant position during the July 8 board meeting. Watts will serve in the position until the next school board election in November 2025. Watts’ oldest child graduated in 2017 from the district. Her two other children will graduate in 2025 and 2027, respectively.
“The schools my children attended supported, encouraged and assisted them to reach their fullest potential,” said Watts. “I want to be a part of that, not just for my own kids, but for all the kids in our community.”
Deja Reed is a junior at Arlington High School (AHS). She will serve alongside fellow student advisor AHS Senior Nathan Nichols on the school board. Student advisors provide student viewpoints when the board is making decisions and provide advisory votes when appropriate.
“I want to make sure that students have a voice in important matters,” said Reed. “Being a student advisor means I can advocate for our needs and ensure our voices are heard.”
“I’m excited to welcome Nicole and Deja to the Arlington School Board,” said Dr. Chrys Sweeting, Superintendent. “They are both committed to serving Arlington students and ensuring our schools are even better places for all students to learn.”