The Gadsden Independent Schools Board of Education on Oct. 12 appointed Priscilla Guerrero to fill the District 4 vacancy after interviewing three candidates in public session and using a ranking procedure to determine the selection.

The board began by explaining the interview and ranking process used for the vacancy, including three‑minute opening and closing statements and three minutes to answer each board member's questions. Candidates interviewed were Rogelio Maldonado, Priscilla Guerrero and Marlena Zimmerman.

The review narrowed the field by board ranking. Board members publicly announced their ranked preferences; the board’s tally produced a tie between Maldonado and Zimmerman, which required a re‑score of those two candidates. Following that re‑score and the ranking procedure specified earlier in the meeting, the board moved to appoint Guerrero. A roll call on the motion recorded President Murillo voting yes, Vice President Christian Lira voting yes, Secretary Rodriguez voting no and Board Member Flores voting yes. The motion carried and the board announced Guerrero as the appointee.

During interviews, candidates emphasized local experience and priorities for the district. Guerrero, who said she is a five‑generation resident of Anthony, New Mexico, opened by describing a focus on inclusion and communication: "I stand before you today with commitment to ensure that every child in our district has access to opportunities that enable them to thrive." She told the board she would prioritize opportunities, inclusion and collaboration among educators, families and students.

Marlena Zimmerman, who identified herself as a lifelong resident of the Gadsden Independent School District and noted 27 years of experience in education, described classroom teacher support and professional development as central to improving student outcomes. Rogelio Maldonado discussed his military background and community programs, saying he is "committed" to serving and would seek to bring community partnerships and programs to support student attendance and engagement.

Board members followed the established interview format: the president explained that candidates would be taken to a holding room and called up individually, that each candidate would receive a printout of questions to review and would have timed opening, response and closing periods, and that the board would rank candidates 1–4 and the lowest total would be selected. The board secretary conducted the tally and, when totals produced a tie, asked members to re‑rank the tied candidates as the meeting procedures required.

Earlier in the meeting the board voted to remove an incorrectly dated special meeting listed as action item 7–8 from the agenda; a board member moved to remove the item and the motion carried. After appointing Guerrero, a motion to adjourn passed and the meeting concluded.

The board did not set an effective date for Guerrero’s term in the public record on the transcript; the transcript also records that the person appointed indicated an intention to run in the upcoming November election. The transcript does not specify any additional paperwork or administrative steps required to complete the appointment.