This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2013, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

The governor has nominated Heather Groom to fill a newly vacated seat on the state school board.

Gov. Gary Herbert sent Groom's name, who is president of the Utah Federation of Republican Women and a former board member at Renaissance Academy charter school in Lehi, to the Senate for approval last week. Normally, board members are elected, but Groom will fill a spot left by Craig Coleman, who decided to resign in recent weeks because of time constraints, said board Chairwoman Debra Roberts.

Groom also served as deputy campaign manager for Herbert.

"Groom has been involved in education issues for many years, particularly on the charter school front," Ally Isom, a spokeswoman for Herbert wrote in an email to The Salt Lake Tribune. "The governor finds her a well-qualified candidate and many individuals expressed support for her."

The Senate Education Confirmation Committee is scheduled to meet at 12:15 p.m. Wednesday to vote on Groom's appointment.

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