Skyler Mayberry Mays sworn in to Des Moines Independent Comm School District board to fill District 4 vacancy

Skyler Mayberry Mays was sworn in April 9, 2024, as director for District 4 of the Des Moines Independent Comm School District after the board selected Mays to fill a vacancy created when Terry Caldwell Johnson resigned effective March 5, 2024.

The board conducted a public search and interviewed six candidates at meetings held April 3 and April 4 before selecting Mays. The oath of office included the standard pledge to support the U.S. and Iowa constitutions and to faithfully discharge the duties required by law as a district director.

"I'm very excited to be here," Mays said, thanking family, fraternity brothers and community members who attended. "I look forward to doing this with all of us." Mays also said the appointee hoped former director Terry Caldwell Johnson "would be extremely proud."

Madame Chair marked the appointment as a moment for the district and connected the selection to broader civic history and community organizations, citing the Niagara Movement and the NAACP as examples of movements born from "a vision of excellence." The chair said the board was "looking forward to great work ahead."

The board paused briefly for recognition before proceeding with the evening's business; members then moved to approve the agenda and prepared to enter a closed session later in the meeting.