SPRINGFIELD -- The Effingham County Board of Education unanimously elected Vickie Decker as its vice chairman during its regularly scheduled meeting Thursday.

Decker, who represents District 5, succeeds Troy Alford, who stepped down from his District 2 seat earlier this month. Alford resigned so that his son, Judd, could become assistant principal at South Effingham High School. 

A state law enacted in 2009 prohibits school board members and superintendents from having immediate family members in high-ranking positions in the districts they serve.

Decker was initially elected to the school board in 2008. She won her fourth term without opposition last year.

District 3's Lamar Allen is the board chairman.