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Eau Claire Area School Board appoints Tau to fill vacant seat after four-candidate panel
Summary
The Eau Claire Area School Board appointed candidate Tau to the seat vacated by Commissioner Clements after hearing three-minute statements from four applicants and holding successive votes. The board followed a random-draw interview process and required four votes for appointment; Tau received four votes.
The Eau Claire Area School Board on the evening of the meeting appointed candidate Tau to fill the seat vacated by Commissioner Clements after a selection process that included randomized speaking order, three-minute candidate statements and a board vote.
The appointment followed a process the board described as consistent with its GC-10 policy for new members: Superintendent Johnson drew names in random order, each applicant addressed the board for three minutes, board members and student representatives asked follow-up questions, and the board voted via an online ballot. Dr. Ellworthy read the results aloud; Tau received four votes and was declared appointed.
Board chair Nordeen opened the item by thanking the four applicants and describing the procedure the board would use, including a three-minute speaking limit and a requirement that a successful candidate receive four votes. After candidates Amy Olsen, Molly Boyle Engel, Patal, and Laura Mason Marshall made statements and answered board questions, the board cast ballots. When the results were read, the tally showed: Tau, 4; Amy Olsen, 0; Molly Boyle Engel, 0; Laura Mason Marshall, 0. Dr. Ellworthy announced: “Miss Tau, you are our commissioner elect.”
The candidate statements emphasized a range of backgrounds and reasons for seeking the position. Amy Olsen said she was motivated to “support the great work that's already being done,” citing two decades in the Eau Claire community and professional experience in nursing education. Patal described coming to the United States as a child refugee and said public schools “gave me not just education but also a sense of belonging,” noting her nonprofit and budgeting experience.
Board members asked candidates about race and equity work, time availability for board duties and plans to connect with students and schools. Candidates highlighted prior work with equity committees, school-based programs and community events; several noted family and work arrangements that would allow them to meet the board’s time commitments.
The board thanked all applicants and said they would be contacted about onboarding and the oath of office. Chair Nordeen said the newly appointed commissioner can expect onboarding messages from the chair and the superintendent and that the appointee’s first meeting will occur one week from the appointment.
The board did not record additional formal actions tied to the appointment beyond the vote, and the board encouraged the three unsuccessful applicants to consider running in future elections.
Votes at a glance: Appointment to vacancy (seat vacated by Commissioner Clements) — Tau appointed (4–0).
