Northwest Local board accepts resignation of board member Julie Barkey, seeks applicants

The Northwest Local Board of Education voted Dec. 16 to accept the resignation of board member Julie Barkey, effective Dec. 17, 2025. The board instructed staff to accept letters of interest from Dec. 18 through Dec. 31 and to consider appointment options at the January 5 organization meeting.

Why it matters: Barkey served on the board since January 2020; the vacancy will be filled by appointment for the remainder of the term, and the district is soliciting community applicants to replace her for the roughly two years remaining on the seat.

Remarks and vote: The superintendent and several board members offered personal remarks thanking Barkey for her years of service, citing her contributions to technology upgrades, curriculum adoption and local safety initiatives. In a brief on‑the‑record comment attributed in the meeting, the resigning board member said she was leaving due to family obligations: "I do want to say I'm resigning due to family obligations." The board moved to accept the resignation, and the motion passed by roll call.

Process and timeline: Staff said a page and instructions for submitting letters of interest will be posted on the district website; the board will receive candidate materials and discuss appointment at the Jan. 5 organization meeting. The seat carries approximately two years remaining in the current term, according to the superintendent.

Ending

Board members closed the item with thanks and invited meeting attendees to a reception recognizing Barkey. The board will address candidate appointment at the January organization meeting.