Archive: News

Walker ReynoldsLansing School Superintendent Chris Pettograsso told the school board Monday that the resignation of board member Walker Reynolds has left a gap in the Board Of Education that they may choose to fill.  The board informally decided to solicit candidates and appoint the one they deem most qualified.  Reynolds was elected to fill the remaining time in Betsy Galvin's term, which has less than a year left in it.  Board members said they hope more than one community member will step forward so they have a field of candidates to choose from.

"In a healthy process we would have many more candidates than positions," said board member Tom Robinson.  "This would be a real opportunity for somebody to try it out.  It would be a short duration if they want to try it.  It's a good way to do a test run as a school board member."

Reynolds was forced to resign when he moved out of state because one of the qualifications for aboard member seats is residing in Lansing.  Pettograsso told the board Walker has moved to Texas with his family to pursue a new job.  With less than a year to go before the term ends on June 30, the board could have decided to hold another election or simply leave the seat empty until the next election.  But board members seemed eager to fill the seat.

Lansing's Board of Education has seven seats.  Candidates must live in Lansing for at least one year, be a U.S. citizen, be able to read and write, a registered voter, and be 18 or older, may not have been removed from a district office in the past year, must not reside with another board member, and may not hold an incompatible office.  Interested candidates must fill out a Board Candidate Summary and submit it to District Clerk Debbie Todd.  Information and forms are posted on the district Web site.

School Board president Glenn Swanson noted it is always hard to get candidates to run for the school board.  Board member Julie Boles asked Swanson to make a courtesy call to Steven Kuramoto, who was the first runner-up in last May's election to see if he is still interested in serving.  The board strategized on how to get the word out to the community as quickly and effectively as possible.

"We'll try to bring this to a close as soon as possible," he said.  "Hopefully by the end of October, but if we don't get applicants we can look at other options.  We'd like to get that person as soon as possible."

Three positions, including Galvin/Walker's, are up for election this May.

v9i36