In Close Vote, Walsh Picked to Lead District 308 Board

After some debate, the  Board of Education approved the new slate of officers Monday night.

Following the swearing in of new board members Brent Lightfoot, Alison Swanson and Bill Walsh, the panel approved by a 4-3 vote Walsh as the new president, taking the place of Lynn Cullick. Swanson was voted vice president, and Laurie Pasteris secretary.

Before the votes for new officers were taken, both Cullick and Walsh were initially nominated for the presidential post. But Cullick declined the nomination, citing because of job demands and a health issue she could not devote “100 percent to the position.”

“But I can be devoted to being a board member, and I will continue to do so and serve respectfully and continue to strengthen our partnerships and work with our other governmental bodies,” she said.

Board member Mike Scaramuzzi then nominated David Behrens for the presidential post.

“I think it’s important we have a board member who is familiar with board member policies and procedures,” he said. “I appreciate Bill as a good candidate for board president. He has demonstrated his ability to do good research and prepare for debates, but Dave has kept us on task over the past few years and I think he would be a fine candidate.”

During Monday’s meeting, school board members also said goodbye to incumbents Andrea Schweda and John Graff who were voted off the board, and board member Steve Wolf did not run again. 

Below is a chart with the unofficial vote totals from the April 5 election.