News : School board vacancy remains; nobody expressed interest in open seat

There was someone missing in the audience Monday evening, during the monthly Vinton-Shellsburg School Board meeting.

The administrators were there. The media too. And several students from Mr. Vettraino’s Entrepreneurship class were there to speak about their Vinton Popcorn project.

But missing from the audience was anyone willing to take the empty seat facing the audience.

The last time there was a vacancy on the VS School Board, three people applied and the board appointed Brenda Bartz to fill the vacancy.

But nobody had expressed interest in the position before Monday’s meeting. The board members will speak to those who may be interested in serving on the board until the September 2013 election.

The board accepted the resignation of Todd Wiley, who had served since 2003, and resigned recently, citing personal reasons.

Board members also discussed how changes in state law that expanded the term of a school board member from three years to four may have made it more difficult to attract candidates. Board members will speak to area legislators in an attempt to change that state law.

Unlike Vinton City Council members, the school board members are not paid for their services. In addition to monthly meetings and a few special meetings each year, board members are asked to be involved in schools and school activities when possible.

Anyone interested in serving on the school board at least until September 2013 should contact the main administrative office at 319-436-4728, ext. 1.