Board names nine‑member committee to review applications for two vacant trustee seats

The Crook County School District Board of Trustees named nine community members to an application review committee tasked with recommending two candidates — one for Zone 1 and one for Zone 3 — to the full board.

Board members said the application period closes Feb. 5 and asked the committee to design the review process (interviews, prescreening, questionnaires) after the application window closes. The committee is expected to forward two recommended names (one per zone) for board consideration; the board said it would aim to vote on appointments at a special meeting if the committee needs additional time beyond the Feb. 10 regular meeting.

The nine people named were Joanne Hemphill, Debbie Wood, Linda Pepper, Steve Forrester, Steve Maguire, Kathy Puckett, Wayne Looney, Kevin Bradley and Calista Songstad. The board identified Kevin Bradley as committee chair and Linda Pepper as vice chair; the board asked staff (Tammy) to notify members and handle logistics.

Board members discussed whether to name backup alternates if a committee member could not serve; the board decided the committee should move quickly and, if a member does not show, the remaining members would proceed rather than naming formal alternates.

The board noted that the committee must choose its chair publicly. Board members said Tammy and district staff would coordinate scheduling and logistics once the committee members were confirmed.

Ending: The board expects the committee to present a timeline and process after Feb. 5; the board asked the group to move quickly so that appointments may be made in time for upcoming meetings.