HANCOCK — The Hancock School Board has appointed a new member, Rod Paavola, who replaces former trustee Mary Babcock. Babcock, who was the board vice president, stepped down in July because of her excessive work load at City Hall, where she serves as city clerk.

“I have a lot to learn,” Paavola said of his new position. “I mean, I’m just jumping in, I’ve not been on this school board, or any school board. I’ve been on other boards, though, so I think it’ll be fine.”

Paavola said the other members have been good about telling him what he needs to know, and what he needs to do, and, “what I need to be looking at, so I can look at it at home, but I think it’s going to be fine.”

Paavola said he is, by profession, a nurse.

“But I’m also a case manager (at) UP Health System-Portage,” he added. “I was a manager over there for about 10 years, I’m familiar with boards.”

While a case manager, Paavola said he also is also working as a nurse again, and said it is nice to work with patients again.

Babcock served on the board for more than four years.