The maintenance manager of a Niles mobile home park is the newest member of the Brandywine Community Schools Board of Education.

Gerald “Jerry” Tibbs was appointed by the board at Monday’s regular meeting. He fills the seat vacated by Mike Shelton, who resigned in August after serving 17 years as a trustee.

A 1972 graduate of Brandywine High School, Tibbs was chosen over two other candidates for appointment: August Garritano and Ralph Skinner.

He will fulfill the remainder of Shelton’s term, which expires Dec. 31.

“I was overwhelmed,” said Tibbs of the appointment. “I didn’t expect it, but I am really happy of course. I want to get my foot in the door and learn what I have to learn and start doing what needs to be done for Brandywine.”

Tibbs, 60, said he plans to retire in about a year in order to devote his full energy toward the school district, where his step-children and grandkids attended or are attending.

“I’ve seen the ups and downs at Brandywine, but I like the way things are going in the district right now,” Tibbs said. “I want to be part of that upswing and to help the district to continue to move forward.”

Tibbs has live all his life in Niles except while serving as a combat engineer in the U.S. Army from 1972-76.

Also Monday, the board accepted the resignations of two staff members — a preschool teacher’s aid and a media aid at the middle/senior high school. Supt. John Jarpe said they would fill those positions temporarily with current staff until permanent replacements can be found.