Senate OKs ed board nominee

The Senate on Wednesday unanimously confirmed Craig Coleman to represent District 3 on the State Board of Education.

"I'm excited to get started," he said.

Coleman, 51, is an associate professor of plant sciences and has a doctorate in molecular and cell biology at BYU. He was elected earlier this month to the Genola Town Council.

Gov. Gary Herbert nominated Coleman to the state school board, and he was chosen over former Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr.'s nominee, Michael Clarke Johnsen, 64, of Stansbury Park in Tooele County. He is the former Tooele School District superintendent.

Coleman's term will go through the end of 2010. Johnsen said he may challenge Coleman in next fall's election.

The district covers Tooele County and part of Utah County.

— Amy K. Stewart