The Panther Valley school board on Thursday named Democrat John Williams of Lansford to serve the time remaining on the term of Republican David Hiles, who resigned in April.

Williams, 62, and a retired project manager and estimator, finished fourth of five candidates on the Democratic ballot in the May Primary Election, and third of four candidates on the Republican ballot.He was sworn in at a public meeting Thursday by school board President Jeff Markovich.All board members present School Director Irene Genther was excused to attend a family member's graduation voted in favor of appointing Williams to the remaining term, which ends in December.School Director Anthony DeMarco said top vote-getter Brian Dolena of Summit Hill was offered the seat, but declined.Hiles, of Summit Hill, resigned April 2, saying he was frustrated by unfunded state mandates and decreasing government funding of school districts. Hiles was first elected in 1983.