CORRECTION: The initial version of this story reported that Davidson worked for the Air Force Academy. Davidson worked for Air Force Space Command.

What was intended to be a shorter-than-usual meeting became a multi-day affair for Woodland Park’s board of education to fill out its directors.

In light of board member Mick Bates’ resignation last month, the board has appointed Robb Davidson as his successor during a special meeting on Friday. The decision comes after interviewing him and four other applicants during a special meeting on Wednesday.

Davidson has worked as a U.S. Air Force civilian for 35 years and also volunteered with the Pikes Peak Business and Education Alliance to connect local students with businesses for internships.

His two children graduated from the district and are currently teaching at its high school.

Davidson said he would prioritize stabilizing relationships, encouraging hope and enhance academic excellence.

“I’m thankful to be selected to fill the vacant position on the board of education,” he said following the meeting. “And I know that the (other board) members are committed to strengthening the partnership with each of our campuses.”

Davidson will join the board ahead of pivotal decisions that include the search and selection of the school district’s next superintendent and financial budgeting.

Ahead of the vote, board member Carol Greenstreet noted his previous work with them in facilitating a recent board planning retreat and said she was encouraged by his established relationship with the district’s charter school, Merit Academy, through his work with the internship program.

“And I think that that is beneficial that we have somebody that’s got that relationship already,” she said.

Davidson was selected unanimously over six other applicants.

A delayed decision

Seconds after calling to order the Wednesday special meeting, before approving its agenda, the board was met with accusations of an unfair and “opaque” selection process, followed by a threat of litigation. The Wednesday agenda had the board interviewing applicants for the vacancy before a review and discussion and an appointment.

Board applicant and frequent meeting attendee Nathan Williams was not among the four requested for an interview and accused the board of minimizing public notice for both the application and selection process and violating Colorado’s open meetings laws by not interviewing each applicant.  

Board president Keegan Barkley explained the reason for their approach was partly in response to the long durations of recent meetings, vague guidelines by the Colorado Association of School Boards for filling vacancies and the qualifications of some candidates over others.

She added that school boards aren’t required by law to undergo a formal application process for appointing a board member and proceeded with their process after legal consultation.  

“We could have simply appointed someone if we wished to take that route,” she said.

Upon hearing his comments, board members expressed a willingness to interview all seven applicants in a public setting. Williams was then interviewed by the board later in the meeting, where he said he would be rescinding his notice of intent to litigate.

The remaining two candidates both declined their interview requests for the Friday meeting.

Davidson will get sworn into the board next week, with his term set to expire in November 2027.