Old Lyme - Residents elected Republican candidate Steve Spooner to serve as a member on the Lyme-Old Lyme Region 18 Board of Education at a special town meeting Tuesday.

Spooner fills the position vacated after Judith Read resigned. He will serve on the board until the next municipal election in November 2013.

Andi Williams, vice president of the PTO at Mile Creek School, nominated Spooner, a small-business owner, airline pilot and parent volunteer with three daughters.

"His strong business experience and participation in our community make him a great nominee," said Williams at the town meeting.

Resident Lynn Fairfield-Sonn nominated Democratic candidate Diane Linderman, who has a chemistry and teaching background. Linderman, who has two sons, has served as president of Friends of Music, a nonprofit organization, and on the middle school PTO and the Ad-Hoc Building Committee.

"She is one of the most committed women I have ever worked with," she said at the meeting.

In an interview, Board of Education Chairman James Witkins praised resigning board member Read's personal integrity and work on the Finance Committee. He was also pleased with the two candidates.

"We're just absolutely delighted that two candidates of this quality have stepped forward to serve on the board," he said.

Spooner said after the meeting that he looks forward to working on behalf of students, parents and the entire community

The town cast 120 votes for Spooner and 75 for Linderman.

k.drelich@theday.com