Lakeville Area Schools Board to appoint interim member amid community divide

The Lakeville Area Schools Board of Education convened a special session on November 19, 2024, to address the appointment of a new board member following a recent resignation. The meeting, led by Chair Baker, included directors Kelleher, David Anderson, Carly Anderson, Lind, and Thompson.

Chair Baker opened the session by emphasizing the importance of the appointment process and the need for unity within the community. He acknowledged the ongoing divide among residents and stressed that the board's decisions should prioritize the best interests of students. He clarified that while state law mandates the board to appoint a replacement, it does not specify the process for doing so.

The agenda for the evening included discussing interview questions, interviewing the candidate, and ultimately voting on the appointment. Chair Baker outlined the legal requirements for candidates, which include being at least 21 years old, an eligible voter, a district resident for at least 30 days, and not having a felony conviction. He noted that the appointment would be interim, requiring the appointee to run for election by November 2025, allowing the community to express their views.

As the meeting progressed, Chair Baker reminded board members to stay focused on the interview process and the candidate's responses, indicating that any deviation would be met with a point of order to maintain the meeting's structure.

The session highlighted the board's commitment to transparency and community engagement as they navigated the appointment process, aiming to foster healing and collaboration within the district. Further discussions and the candidate interview were expected to follow in the session.