Schools

ISD 191 Begins Search for New Board Member

The district could be flooded by dozens of applicants seeking former Board Member Gail Morrison's spot.

Last Thursday, the Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District bade farewell to outgoing Board Member Gail Morrison and embarked on what could be an arduous search for her replacement.

"Looking at what other districts have seen, in response they've had upwards of 40 people apply for these positions," said Superintendent Randy Clegg. 

Morrison, a veteran of the school board, announced her this month. Morrison was one year into her third term, each of which is four years in length. Because more than half of Morrison's term remains, the Board of Education must appoint a successor, who will serve until the next general election in 2012.

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Clegg outlined the process for the board on Thursday: Would-be board members will submit a resume, cover letter and application throughout July, then go through an interview with the board in early August. At the board meeting on August 18, the board will choose a finalist by a vote.

ISD 191 will begin accepting applications at 8 a.m. on July 1. The deadline will be 1 p.m. on July 29. The cutoff time will be rather strict, Clegg said.

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"That doesn't mean postmarked. That means actually in place," Clegg said.

Director Jim Schmid asked how the district would handle the onslaught of paper if interest was high.

"I too have noticed that when there's a vacancy like this there are many, many applications. Are we waiting till Friday (July 29) to print them out?" Schmid asked. "If so, poor (School Board Secretary Jan Larson) and whoever else will be copying six to seven copies of each. I don't know how it would be possible to get it out by the time Friday mail leaves."

"Hopefully, not everyone waits until 12:59 on July 1. We'll be preparing packets all the way through," Clegg responded.

There are several eligibility requirements: Candidates must be at least 21 years old and have been a resident of the school district for at least 30 days. Anyone with a serious criminal record is not eligible to be on the board.

Those who are eligible should be prepared to answer the following four questions:

1. What do you see as the role of the Board of Education and your role as a school board member? 

2. Please identify and describe how you would address what you believe are the district’s three most important issues.

3. Please describe your previous professional and/or volunteer activities in the local community, as well as involvement in activities or programs sponsored by the Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District.

4. Why are you interested in serving on the Board of Education?

Serving on the board takes a significant amount of time, about 20 to 40 hours a month between the twice-monthly meetings, special sessions, workshops, and committees 

Applications are available online. Click here. Paper applications are also available at the district's Administrative Services Center, 100 River Ridge Court, in Burnsville.


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