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ESCANABA -- The oldest member of the Escanaba School Board is President Will Carne, who was born in 1932.  But now there's a new member.

Jed Gagnier was the top vote-getter in Tuesday's election.  And did we mention that he's just 18?

“I voted for him!” said current board president, Will Carne.  “I shouldn't tell that, but I did."

This junior was inspired to run for the school board after a conversation with Current Public Issues teacher, Greg Potvin.

“Well, gosh.  I go to the school board meetings myself,” said Potvin.  “I’ve been to quite a few of them, and just the whole financial situation in Michigan is going to be quite dramatic.  There’s some big proposed changes."

Now, Jed and the six other board members will have the final say on crucial issues like budget amendments, teacher layoffs, and bid proposals.

But he's ready for the challenge.

“Well, I hope that since there's going to be a viewpoint of someone going through what the school board deals with,” explains Gagnier, “maybe it'll bring a little more realism to the school board and will bring a little more connection between the high school."

Jed's new fellow board members said they'll respect him as an equal and look forward to having him on board.

“They voted for him,” Carne said.  “The people spoke.  It’s here now.  It’s wonderful."   

Jed's official first day on the job is July 1.  He said he doesn't know yet what school board sub-committees he'll belong to, but he hopes to help make an impact in finance and curriculum.