Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Board Appointments topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Bettendorf board appoints Mindy Smith Pace to fill vacancy through November election
Summary
The Bettendorf Community School District board appointed Mindy Smith Pace to fill a board vacancy until the November election after interviewing two candidates. The board majority cited immediate readiness and prior board experience as deciding factors.
The Bettendorf Community School District Board of Education on Tuesday appointed Mindy Smith Pace to fill a board vacancy through the Nov. 2025 election after interviewing two candidates.
The board interviewed two applicants for Vacancy 2: a candidate identified in the meeting as Mr. Holland and Mindy Smith Pace. Board members each had up to 10 minutes for questioning under the posted process. Questions focused on readiness to step in immediately, communication with district employees following chain of command, and key district strengths and challenges.
Mindy Smith Pace told the board she has attended many board meetings, holds a degree in public policy and has 30 years of experience on nonprofit boards; she said she felt confident she could "step in right away" and review district materials to align with local procedures. Candidate Holland said he previously served on the board for four years, including two years as board president, and emphasized familiarity with board duties and an ability to contribute with "little to no learning curve." Both candidates said they would follow the superintendent as the district's point of contact with staff and would use established procedures for community concerns.
After discussion, Director [name not specified] moved to appoint Mindy Smith Pace; the motion was seconded and the board voted by roll call. At the roll call recorded in the transcript, Director Lynch voted yes; Director McGibran voted no; Director Smithson voted yes; Director Castro voted no; and Director Champion recorded a yes vote. The motion carried and Mindy Smith Pace was appointed to the seat until the election.
Board members who spoke during the discussion cited two principal factors in choosing a short‑term appointee: immediate readiness to assume board responsibilities and familiarity with the district's unique finances, policies and staff. Some members argued that prior service on this board would minimize transition time; others emphasized current breadth of experience and community connections.
The appointment will last until the November election, at which point voters will choose a candidate for the remaining term or the new term as specified on the ballot.
