Ben Fries of Constantine is the newest member of the St. Joseph County Intermediate School district board.
He was recently elected to the chair vacated by Robert Trenary, who chose to end his 20-year stint on the board.
Fries said his passion for education and commitment to the community was motivation for seeking the position. A school board member for Constantine Public Schools and academic advisor at Glen Oaks Community College, Fries has also been a teacher and mid-level administrator.