The Indiana Area School Board named a new member to the board, but it did not come without complaint.
Motions made by Board Member Walter Schroth to delay naming a new board member to replace Robert Edwards, who resigned his position at the last board meeting, until May 22nd and for the board to take the school board candidate who received the most votes in the May 16th primary were both rejected. The board then moved to approve naming William R. Smith to take the place of Edwards. The motion passed 6-2 but many of those in attendance were upset with what they called a lack of transparency in the process of naming Edwards’ replacement. This included former teacher Josie Cunningham. During a second round of public comment, Cunningham added that the board had an opportunity to stem the anger from the community over the board’s actions concerning the elementary school projects, but did not do so with Smith’s naming.
Board President Doug Steve said that the board was following prior precedent in naming a new board member, saying the process was done a few years ago to replace another board member who resigned their seat three months into their term. He added that he felt Smith was qualified to fill Edwards’ seat.
In other business, the board approved eliminating 2 assistant junior high football coaches, a part time assistant junior high football coach, a track assistant, a dramatics third show director and a technical assistant, and an assistant band director’s position in an effort to save $24,508, and the board also approved taking a look at K-8 school formats and putting more security in the district buildings starting next year.
