The Akron School Board has its newest member. After interviewing six candidates, the Board of Education has named Rene Molenuar, Ph.D to the position left open after the resignation of former member N.J. Akbar.

Rene Molenaur has a Ph.D., in Education policy from Cleveland State University, is a former Middle School teacher and instructional coach, an education policy researcher, and the parent of two APS students.

Molenaur expressed to the board that she believes she can bring “unique perspective and valuable skills to the board,” and that she has “knowledge of the challenges and rewards of working in the classroom, and the impact that effective policies and programs can have on student learning and achievement.”

Board President Derrick Hall, Ph.D., says, “I’m excited to welcome Dr. Molenaur to our board. I find her to be a dedicated and experienced educator with a passion for student success and educational policy.”

Molenaur will start her new position this Wednesday at a special board meeting.