L'Anse Creuse board narrows vacancy pool after interviews; four finalists named

L'Anse Creuse Public Schools — The L'Anse Creuse Public Schools Board of Education on March 19 interviewed applicants to fill a recent board vacancy, amended its agenda to reduce the candidate pool and, after deliberation, voted to advance four finalists for a final decision at the board's March 31 regular meeting.

The board first approved an amendment to the special-meeting agenda directing staff to reduce the candidate shortlist from nine applicants “to no more than five, ideally three or four,” a motion made by Board Member Zach Doss and seconded by Board Member Derek Sellers. The amendment passed by voice vote.

Why it matters: the appointed trustee will sit on a board that is managing a multi‑month budget review process and public scrutiny over a multi‑million-dollar shortfall. The board said the March 31 regular meeting will include a final vote on an appointment and that narrowing the pool tonight should allow more time for deliberation before the end of the month.

Interview process and schedule Board President Frank Howell explained the interview format at the start of the meeting: each candidate received a 1½-minute opening statement, 2 minutes of timed questions from each board member (with allowances for finishing a question or answer when the buzzer sounded), and a 1½-minute closing statement. Candidates were scheduled 25 minutes apart; the board planned short breaks after groups of three candidates. The board reaffirmed that tonight's votes were only to pare the pool and that the final appointment would be made at the March 31 meeting, scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m.

Public comment and a candidate endorsement During public comment, resident Dustin Walker identified himself, gave his address and urged the board to appoint Jody Lesinski, citing Lesinski’s strong showing in recent elections and community support. Walker said, “Jody has shown his commitment to the district over the years,” and asked the board to “show the residents…that you are listening” by appointing Lesinski.

Candidate interviews The board heard nine candidates. Interviewees who spoke at length during public portions of the record included Dean Ramsden, Dr. Courtney McNamara, Chris (last name provided at the meeting), Mark Deldin, Jeff Cypress, Jody Lesinski, Dale Vanderwater, Ayman (as recorded) and Matthew Turner. Candidates repeatedly cited the district's budget situation and academic outcomes as priorities; several said they would prioritize transparency and community engagement.

Deliberation and votes After interviews and a short break, the board discussed candidates. During final action the board took a roll-call vote to advance four applicants to the March 31 meeting for final consideration: Dean Ramsden, Mark Deldin, Jeff Cypress and Dale Vanderwater. The roll call on that motion recorded four votes in favor (Zach Doss, Mister De Villa, Mister Lipsky, and Missus Ross) and two opposed (Missus Herndon and Mister Sellers); the motion passed. A separate motion to advance five candidates (including Jody Lesinski) failed on a tie vote.

Board members who advocated advancing Lesinski said his recent election tallies and repeated candidacies showed sustained community support; other board members reminded colleagues that voter totals for a past, now-resigned trustee could not simply be reallocated and that the board must use its appointed-selection process. The board did not appoint a replacement tonight; the finalists will return March 31 for a final vote.

Other formal actions - The board approved the agenda amendment (motion by Zach Doss; second by Derek Sellers) to reduce the candidate pool to no more than five with a stated aim of narrowing to three or four; outcome: approved by voice vote. - The board adjourned at 10:35 p.m. by voice vote after concluding deliberations.

What’s next Four finalists will return for additional consideration at the board's regular meeting on March 31; the board expects to take a final appointment vote that evening. The district continues to face budget questions that several candidates raised during interviews; board members said deliberations about the appointment and the budget will continue next week.

Ending The board's decision to advance four applicants keeps the process in motion while several trustees and public commenters urged broader community input on the vacancy and continuing clarity about the district budget.