Merrill Area School District board elects officers, adopts goals and schedules special meeting on vacancy

The Merrill Area School District Board of Education held its organizational meeting on Monday, April 27. The board elected its officers by voice vote, approved the 2026–27 board goals and set a special meeting for May 6 to address a possible vacancy.

The meeting, called to order just after 5:30 p.m., opened with roll call and the administration of the oath of office to board members elected in the spring. During the oath the presiding officer recited a pledge to uphold both the U.S. and Wisconsin constitutions and to ‘‘discharge the duties of the office to the best of my abilities’’ and concluded, ‘‘So help me God,’’ as recorded in the proceedings.

The board then took nominations for officers. Kevin Blake was nominated and accepted the nomination for board president; the board closed nominations and elected Blake by voice vote. Paul Crew was nominated and elected vice president by unanimous ballot. Jacqueline accepted a nomination for board clerk and John Smith accepted a nomination for treasurer; both were elected by voice vote.

The board reviewed reference documents and discussed the district’s priorities before voting to adopt the 2026–27 board goals "as printed." The chair told members the goals reflect carryover items from previous years and invited discussion on whether to add, remove or revise specific language. A motion to adopt the goals as presented was approved by voice vote.

Members also discussed the district’s regular meeting schedule and approved a motion to continue holding monthly board meetings on the third or fourth Wednesday of each month, beginning at 5:30 p.m.

On appointments, the board selected a representative to the CESA 9 Board of Control; Paul Crew volunteered and was approved as the district’s representative for that annual meeting. The board also confirmed a delegate and alternate to attend the Wisconsin Association of School Boards (WASB) state convention in Milwaukee.

Board members discussed process options for filling a potential ninth-seat vacancy and were advised to observe statutory deadlines before finalizing any appointment. The board voted to schedule a special meeting on May 6, to follow HR and finance committee meetings (no sooner than 6:00 p.m.), to consider the vacancy and the replacement timeline.

A motion to adjourn was approved and the meeting ended at 6:02 p.m. No contested or divided roll-call votes were recorded in the transcript; agenda items were decided by voice vote with motion-carry announcements noted in the record.

Next steps: committee assignments will be announced at the May regular meeting, and the May 6 special meeting will address the vacancy timeline and any related procedures.