Claudio Cruz was selected for the Place 1 seat to replace trustee Brian Sellers, Round Rock ISD announced Nov. 12.

Cruz was sworn in during the school board's Nov. 21 meeting. He will fulfill the remainder of Sellers' term, which expires in November 2014.

Sellers announced his resignation Oct. 11. He had served on the board since 2008 and was board secretary. Cruz served on the RRISD Citizen Bond Committee's finance subcommittee in 2008. He also was a member of several committees in Harlingen CISD, including as chair for the district's Education Improvement Council. Steve Flores, Round Rock ISD's superintendent, also has previous experience in Harlingen CISD. Cruz is also a parent support specialist for Austin ISD.

The board selected Cruz after a round of interviews Nov. 11. Board Vice President Diane Cox said because the district is considering a potential May 2014 bond election, Cruz's previous experience serving on the Citizen Bond Committee appealed to the board.

"I think he has really worked very well with [RRISD]," Cox said. "We're in the process of developing a bond committee, so he brings that district knowledge. He also worked on our bond oversight committee, which again, has kind of prepared him for what we are going into for this next year. I think that is some of the things that rose to the top for us."

Sellers was the second trustee to resign in 2013 because of time demands of board service.

"The [trustee] role is a time-consuming one," Sellers said. "I've decided to focus more time on my kids and my wife. I feel like I am leaving the school board in a good spot and can take the time I need to be with my family."

Former trustee Glen Colby announced his resignation April 5. He also cited wanting to spend more time with his family as his reason for stepping down.