The Shawano School Board Executive Committee is recommending that a vacant board seat created by Jim Heinz’s resignation be filled, even though the seat is up for election in six months.
The committee agreed by consensus Monday to send out a notice seeking interested candidates who reside within the Shawano School District. The deadline for applicants is Oct. 18, and the applicants will make their case before the School Board on Oct. 28.
“I do know there are people interested in the community,” board President Julie Van Dyck said.
Heinz resigned last month after 15 years on the board, saying that he wanted to support the district and its employees but does not agree with the direction it is going.
“My resignation is not about Act 10, taxes, new or old board members or even brand X toilets,” Heinz said in a written statement to the Leader. “It’s about respecting our staff and their input. It’s about working as a team again. It’s about getting to know your staff and how your district is being run, not how you heard it was run.”
Heinz had sent an email to Van Dyck on Sept. 15 announcing his resignation, and he made it official in a letter to the district on Sept. 26. The School Board is expected to address the resignation at its next meeting, on Oct. 7.
The board has the option of leaving the seat vacant until the April election, which would leave eight members on the board. Van Dyck said she would refrain from voting if needed in order to prevent a tie vote.
Applicants will need to fill out a declaration of interest at the district office, 220 County Road B, Shawano.
Board members receive a stipend of $60 per meeting, which includes full board and committee meetings.
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