School board member resigns, new one sought

You are currently viewing School board member resigns, new one sought

By Catherine Tobin

Whitehall Board of Education member Amy Austin has resigned with three years remaining on her term. She cited personal reasons for her exit.
Board president Jeremy Putorti expressed his thanks for the time she served the community at a recent board meeting.
School superintendent Patrick Dee also thanked Austin, saying: “Her drive, determination and educational knowledge will be missed.”
Anyone interested in filing this seat until the election next May 16 should submit a letter of interest, including why the interest including why the applicant would like to be a board member; what the applicant sees as the biggest challenge facing the district; and what the applicant believes they have to offer that other applicants may not.
Letters should be submitted to Kim Manney, district clerk, no later than noon on Monday, Nov. 14. The board will review the applications at an executive session on Nov. 21.
To qualify applications must be 18 or older, able to read and write English, and reside in the school district.
Putorti said the board has two options for filling the vacancy: The board can hold a special election within 90 days on a date and time set by the board, in which case the new board member would serve the remainder of Austin’s term. Or the board can appoint a member with a majority vote of the board. With this option, the new board member would serve until the next board election on May 16.
Putorti said the board has discussed the options and agreed to option two. “I hope to see many interested individuals apply for this exciting opportunity to help our district continue to grow,” he added.