Editors note: The story was updated to include the number of Michals children and to include a photo provided by MISD.

Magnolia ISD appointed Jay Michals to the board of trustees on Dec. 12. Michals has eight kids within the MISD school system and serves as the head of U.S. trade compliance for an independent energy and commodity group called Mercuria. According to MISD President Chuck Adcox, Michals has served on parent leadership and bond committees in the past.

"I want to thank the board ... for what they've done and putting their faith in me, and trusting me to serve the district," Michals said after being sworn in. "And as I pledged, I will do that to the best of my abilities."

The need for a new board member arose after Position 4 became available when Kristi Baker stepped down during a Nov. 14 school board meeting. According to previous reporting, Baker had been on the board since 2012.