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Board fills open seat by coin toss, swears in Karen Zeller
Summary
After two candidates were interviewed and initial ballots produced no majority, the South Lane School District board adopted a coin-toss process to break a 3-3 split; the toss selected Karen Zeller, who was then appointed and sworn in.
The South Lane School District board appointed Karen Zeller to fill the vacant position 3 after a deadlocked vote was resolved by a coin toss.
Board Chair (speaker 1) explained the interview and appointment process for the vacancy and oversaw interviews with two candidates. Karen Zeller (speaker 4) and Tony Leffler (speaker 10) each gave opening statements and answered standardized questions about community involvement, strengths, and availability. After the first round of ballots did not produce a majority, the board discussed options and approved a motion to resolve the tie by coin toss (motion moved by a board member, speaker 4). The flip came up heads; the chair and motioners then moved to appoint Karen Zeller.
A motion to appoint Zeller was moved and seconded and carried by voice vote. The board completed the formalities by administering the oath; Zeller repeated the pledge to support the constitutions and to faithfully discharge the responsibilities of the office. Board members said the process was difficult but noted both candidates—a strengths and commitment to the community. The chair said the board will convert the ad-hoc tie-breaking process into formal policy so future deadlocks are handled by an established procedure.
The appointment followed the board—s previously announced procedures for conducting interviews, timed answers and private ballots. No further changes to the outcome were recorded in the meeting.
The board will continue with training and regular business in coming weeks now that the membership is complete.
