Editor’s note: This story has been updated to indicate Kelli Hawkins’ resignation from the Classical Academy’s board of directors.

Academy District 20’s Board of Education unanimously selected Kelli Hawkins to succeed outgoing member Amy Shandy, who announced her resignation last month, during its regular meeting Thursday night. Other board finalists were Jason Knese and Douglas Huttenlocker.

Hawkins recently served on the Classical Academy’s (TCA) board of directors, with her term slated to end in August 2028. TCA is an elementary, middle and high school chartered in the district. Hawkins resigned from that position following her appointment to D-20’s board, a TCA spokesperson told the Gazette.

She will serve out the remainder of Shandy’s term, through November 2027.

Hawkins is an active parent of three students attending TCA who has lived in Colorado Springs for over 20 years, according to a biography on TCA’s website. She was previously involved with nonprofit global organizations before working in event planning and sales at The Broadmoor hotel.

All three candidates were interviewed by the board during an Aug. 2 special meeting. Questions included members’ relationship with their superintendent, how they would respond if they voted against the rest of the board, past examples of their own success, improving school and district security and how they would build strong community partnerships.

The three interviewees gave mostly consistent answers, saying they believed that superintendents’ roles are to enact the vision and goals set by their board, that they would refer to current district experts regarding security and safety, and that they would adhere to the board’s collective stances and positions over any individual differences.

During her interview, Hawkins pointed to recent accomplishments, including working with TCA’s board to select its next president in 2023. She also noted the importance of students’ online safety, when asked about improving security.

Now a member of D-20’s board, she will take part in selecting the district’s next permanent superintendent, following Jinger Haberer’s removal in May. Susan Field is currently serving as the district’s interim superintendent.

Following the vote, each board member highlighted the qualities of each candidate, with some encouraging them to run in future elections.

“I think all three of them could help us serve in this district and I hope that they all kind of step up to volunteer in ways to provide us guidance and support as we move forward in this transition and with the selection of a new superintendent,” Board President Susan Payne said.