Garfield Board appoints Adrian Diaz to fill vacant seat after candidate interviews

The Garfield Board of Education voted to appoint Adrian Diaz to a vacant board seat on a motion made following candidate interviews and a brief closed-session deliberation. The board filled the seat vacated by Dr. Piavo Voorczyk, who resigned earlier this term.

Diaz, a sheriff’s officer and father of two children in the Garfield district, told the board his candidacy was motivated by personal experience caring for a son with autism and a medical emergency that highlighted gaps in the district’s emergency preparedness. "I will be [a] relentless advocate for our special needs students," Diaz said during his interview, adding that he would push for stronger follow-through on individualized education programs and staff training for medical emergencies.

Board members nominated Diaz in open session after interviews with multiple applicants. The motion to appoint Diaz was seconded, and the board recorded ayes from voting members during roll call. After the vote the board president congratulated Diaz and instructed him to meet with Superintendent Dr. Tomko and business administrator Jack Laboux for onboarding and next steps.

Diaz said he also supports expanding technical and trade programs so students graduate with career-ready skills, and pledged to prioritize fiscal responsibility in board decisions. The appointment takes effect immediately, and Diaz will receive administrative guidance on duties and expectations from district leadership.

Meeting minutes show the appointment followed a randomized interview order and closed-session deliberations; the board returned to public session to take the final nomination and roll-call vote.