LEEDS — The most important piece of business at Monday night’s Leeds City Council meeting didn’t appear on the agenda.

The council appointed Scott Sisk, a 41-year-old teacher at North Jefferson Middle School in Morris, to the city Board of Education. Sisk fills the spot left open by Grady Sue Saxon, whose term expires at the end of this month.

“It’s just a great opportunity,” Sisk said Tuesday. “I understand there’s going to be some rough days, but I think the positives far outweigh any negatives you could find in doing that. I’m looking forward to doing that.”

Saxon has served on the board since its inception in 2002, when the city formed its school system.

“I feel very honored to have had the opportunity to be on the board that started a school system,” she said Tuesday. “But (after) seven years, it’s time for somebody else to come on board. It’s been a pleasure most of the time; sometimes it’s been extremely challenging, but it’s been very, very rewarding.”

Sisk’s appointment came at the behest of Councilman Ross Bartee, who received a second from Charlotte Earnest.

“I think he would be a real good asset to our school board. He takes charge and works hard,” Bartee said. “He volunteers with athletic programs here. I just think he would be a good asset for our schools.”

The Council approved Bartee’s motion 4-1, with Councilman Johnny Kile dissenting and Councilman Kenneth Washington abstaining. Mayor Eric Patterson asked if an executive session was necessary to discuss issues of good name and character, but no council member made such a motion.

Washington questioned whether the opening had been advertised well enough.

“I think I know Scott,” Washington said. “I think what I’m getting to: Have we, the City Council, had this advertised? It’s supposed to come to us.”

Patterson said the advertisement had drawn interest — at least five residents applied for the opening on the board. Bartee agreed with the mayor.

“We’ve (also) mentioned it at multiple council meetings,” he said.

Sisk has two daughters: Taylor, 9, and Sophie, 5. He says he sees firsthand the quality of education in the city through them.

“I could not be happier with my child’s education to this point, so I know everything’s going in the right direction,” he said. “I know the people on the board are doing right, and Mrs. Saxon has done an excellent job. I just want to continue that momentum.”