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Highlands County board member says she will vacate District 5 seat after learning residence moved out of district
Summary
Miss Radonski told the Highlands County School Board she will vacate her District 5 seat after discovering her home is in District 3; the board attorney said state law requires the governor to appoint a replacement and that prior board actions remain valid under the de facto officer doctrine.
Miss Radonski told the Highlands County School Board on the meeting floor that she will vacate her District 5 seat after learning her residence is located in District 3.
"Due to learning this, I will be vacating my seat as the District 5 scribe board representative," Miss Radonski said, describing her decision as difficult and thanking colleagues and the community for the opportunity to serve.
The board attorney, addressing members after the announcement, summarized the legal consequences under Florida law. He said a gubernatorial appointment fills vacancies on school boards and that the board itself does not have the authority to appoint a replacement or call a special election. He added that the de facto officer doctrine means actions taken during Miss Radonski’s term remain legally valid.
"Florida's de facto officer doctrine comes into play in this situation," the board attorney said, adding that while past votes remain valid, Miss Radonski should not participate in votes going forward and cannot cast votes during the period in which her residency disqualifies her.
The attorney also reviewed practical effects on quorum and voting: with one seat vacant the board’s margin for error shrinks because the quorum requirement remains unchanged. He told members he would make himself available to answer procedural questions as the board and staff handle next steps.
Board members responded with thanks and prayers for Miss Radonski and praised her years of service. Miss Radonski said she will notify the governor’s office and begin the process to ensure the vacancy is handled properly.
The board recessed briefly and then continued with the agenda; the attorney said he would inform members of any updates he receives from the governor’s office.
Next steps: Miss Radonski will contact the governor’s office about the vacancy, and the board will await the governor’s appointment. The board attorney advised members and staff on procedure and remained available for follow‑up.
