Deirdra Trawick Belton will become the first African-American female to serve on the Andalusia Board of Education when she is sworn in at the board's next meeting.

The Andalusia City Council appointed her Tuesday to fill the unexpired term of District 1 board member Sammy Glover, who stepped down earlier this month.

"I love children, I love the community and I love the school," Belton, who is the owner of Deelightful Kids Child Care and Learning Center.

Before returning to her hometown and opening her child care center, Belton served as a director of the first community child care center for the Killeen City (Texas) School District. She also worked as lead Pre-K teacher for the U.S. Military Child Development Program in Worms, Germany.

Belton is a graduate of Andalusia High School and earned a bachelor of science degree in human services after studying at Alabama A&M University and the University of Phoenix. She is a member of the Andalusia Public Library Board, the Oleander II Social and Civic Club, the Pilot Club, NAACP and the Order of Eastern Star. She also is active in her church, where she is president of the Church Missionary Ministry and works with church organizations.

Glover said he couldn't have a better replacement.

"After learning more about her, I'm really glad she didn't decide to run against me," he said. "Her background working with kids is an advantage."

Glover said he decided to step down because it was time.

"We needed to turn the decision-making over to someone younger," he said. "Ideas about education have changed, and she fits the bill for the time."

In unrelated business, the Council also approved a short-term lease agreement with Blue Bird Coffee of Andalusia to use the commercial kitchen at Springdale when it is not in use as a venue. City administrator John Thompson said the company, owned by Greg White and Casey Teel, has grown its custom cheesecake business and needed access to a kitchen until it can work out a better solution.

The Council also heard from local resident Shirley Flowers, who expressed opposition to the recently approved ordinance allowing Sunday alcohol sales, and a presentation from Marck Devich on the use of cameras for traffic management.