Carbon County Judge Roger N. Nanovic II issued an order Monday afternoon appointing David L. Krause to fill the vacancy on Lehighton School Board left by the death of Bill Hill.

Krause, a former school board member, needs to be sworn in before he can be seated, but can do that before any individual authorized to give an oath."I am very pleased by Judge Nanovic's decision and humbled by the opportunity to once again serve on the Lehighton school board," Krause said late Tuesday. "I appreciate Judge Nanovic's efforts conducting such a thorough and fair process for all six candidates. Like I told Judge Nanovic, I have no personal ax to grind, but rather just want to use my past experience to do whatever I can to help provide the best possible educational environment for our children."Krause previously served on the board from 2005-13.During more than two months with only eight members, the board deadlocked 4-4 on many votes surrounding the direction of a building program in the district. The board also deadlocked on filling its vacancy after Hill's passing, ultimately sending the matter to the Carbon County Court of Common Pleas.Four members supported building a $32.5 million elementary center to house all K-5 students, while four favor repairing and renovating the existing elementary schools.In an interview in front of the school board in January, Krause said based on the information provided at board meetings, the efficiencies of a new building outweigh any benefits of renovating."Although controversy is an inherent part of democracy, shared ideals will transcend individual differences," Krause said Tuesday. "Democratic schools demand the thoughtful efforts of all stakeholders, including students, teachers, families, and community members. It's time to cool the negative rhetoric and focus on bringing our community together through collaborative discussion to address all the challenges we face not only today, but tomorrow and beyond."Nanovic considered five other candidates for the position. They were Larry Stern, Duane Eidem, Frank Tamburri, David Bradley and Stacey Duerst.Krause nearly missed a hearing in front of the judge on March 4, but said he drove over seven hours through a snowstorm after Nanovic denied his request to testify via phone."I am committed to serving in a fiduciary capacity to find ways to minimize operating expenses to ensure that our tax dollars are used cost effectively," Krause said. "Researching enormous amounts of information can be overwhelming, but it is necessary to make good, sound decisions. "Lehighton's next board meeting is Monday.