Frances Wills, former schools chief in Briarcliff Manor, Putnam Valley, chosen for Board of Regents

Frances Wills, a retired schools superintendent who led the Briarcliff Manor and Putnam Valley school districts, was chosen by the state Legislature on Tuesday to represent the 9th Judicial District on the state Board of Regents.

Wills will succeed Judith Johnson, who held the seat from 2015 until her death on Oct. 28.

Regents serve five-year, unpaid terms. The 17-member board makes statewide education policy. Thirteen members serve judicial districts and four are at-large.

The 9th district includes Westchester, Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess and Orange counties.

 "Congratulations to Dr. Frances G. Wills on her election to the Board of Regents for the 9th Judicial District," said state Sen. Shelley Mayer, chair of the Senate education committee, in a statement. "I look forward to working with Dr. Wills to advance education equity for all students, and after meeting with her, I am encouraged by her commitment to use her voice to advocate for the underserved and to listen to all the students, parents and educators in the district."