Galt man on schools board

James Aschwanden, who runs a group that promotes the teaching of agriculture in schools, has been appointed to the state Board of Education by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, the administration announced Friday.

Aschwanden, 52, of Galt has served as executive director of the California Agricultural Teachers' Association since 1993.

A Democrat, Aschwanden was previously department chairman and an agricultural instructor for Galt High School and an agricultural instructor for Chowchilla High School.

The position on the 11-member board requires Senate confirmation and is compensated with a $100 per diem payment.