Dear Editor:
On Friday, March 28, one of the Linn R-2 school board members, Neil Loethen, made the decision to resign from the board. Neil has submitted his written letter of resignation. Neil’s resignation has created a unique situation for our school board. The policy for filling this vacancy is taken, in part, as follows from the Linn R-2 policy guidelines, which may be found on the school website. “Any School Board member who wishes to resign from office shall inform the School Board secretary in writing. The School Board secretary shall certify to the Board that the office is vacant. The Board will then appoint a replacement to serve until the next school board election, at which time the position will be filled by election to complete the unexpired term. Whenever a vacancy occurs on the Board of Education, the remaining members of the Board will, by majority vote, select an individual to fill the vacant position until the next annual school election. In filing the vacancy, the Board may affirmatively solicit qualified community members to apply for the vacant position. The Board, or a committee designated by the Board, will screen the applicants and will select no more than three applicants for Board interview. Candidate interviews and the vote taken to fill the vacancy will occur in an open session of the Board.”
Because of the coronavirus pandemic, this year's school board election has been moved from April 7 to June 2. The three incumbents, Lori Greer, Naomi Klouzek and Sam Niederhelm have filed for their respective seats. An additional candidate, Dr. Shawn Strong, has also filed. With Neil Loethen’s resignation, a fourth opening on the board has been created. I am proposing that school board candidate, Dr. Shawn Strong, be appointed to complete the open term created by Neil’s resignation. I believe Dr. Strong is an excellent choice for this position. As a current R-2 parent and President of State Tech, he has the experience and knowledge to work for our students to insure they receive the best possible educational experience. He will not be afraid to ask questions and will stand firm in supporting his convictions to support what is best for our students. Possibly, with the appointment of Dr. Strong and the three incumbents remaining in office, the upcoming election on June 2 would be null and void. If you agree with my proposal regarding Dr. Strong’s appointment, I am asking you as parents, grandparents, patrons and taxpayers to please contact the current school board members and voice your opinion. This needs to be done as soon as possible.
Sincerely and respectfully submitted,
Carol Branson
Former Linn R-2 School Board Member,
Employee and Future R-2 Grandma
