Spokane Public Schools’ newest board member was sworn in Wednesday.

Brian Newberry, a former commander at Fairchild Air Force Base, was selected from 24 applicants. The board seat was left vacant after Paul Schneider resigned in July.

In a previous interview, Newberry said he hoped his experience with large organizations can help the district meet state K-3 class size reduction mandates and address persistent teacher and substitute teacher shortages.

Newberry is the executive director of Leadership Spokane and the parent of two Ferris High School graduates.

He won’t run for office until November 2019, the next regularly scheduled board election. In November 2019, three seats on the board will be up for election.