The Allen County Board of Education got a new member this week.

Al Barman, a Scottsville businessman, was sworn in at the board’s meeting Monday night. Barman was appointed by state Education Commissioner Terry Holliday after a three-month process to fill the remaining term of former board member Rick Bagwell.

Bagwell resigned in August after his daughter was hired by Allen County Schools, said Don Meador, public relations coordinator for the district. A state nepotism law says school board members can’t have an immediate family member employed by the district.

The vacant position was advertised locally and anyone who was eligible to serve on the board was invited to apply, Meador said. Holliday’s office reviewed applications and conducted interviews before deciding on Barman.

Barman graduated from Allen County-Scottsville High School in 1986 and owns the Sonic Drive-In in Scottsville. Barman and his wife don’t have children, but he said he has an interest in education because a lot of his employees are students.

Several people approached him about applying for the open board position, and “it sparked my interest,” he said.

Serving on the board is a way to influence the community, and he can offer a unique perspective because he doesn’t have any children in the district, he said.

“There’s a lot to learn and I’m excited to learn it,” he said.

Though Barman said it’s early to think about whether he’ll run for election next year when Bagwell’s term ends, he said there’s no reason why he wouldn’t run.

“I interact well with the board,” he said. “I’m really excited to be part of it, and I hope we can continue to improve our kids’ education in the county.”