Board votes to appoint interim trustee and will solicit applications and hold interviews

The board debated whether to call a special election or appoint a trustee to fill an upcoming vacancy. Legal counsel Ron Weigart explained the timing and fiscal implications and trustees discussed optics and constraints on the appointment process.

"Because of the timing of the resignation, then if you appoint somebody, they'll fill out the term until November... If you call an election because it's so close to the November election, there won't be any additional cost," counsel Ron Weigart said, explaining that the county would run any required election and that the board had a 60‑day window to act.

Board President Brianna Taxoni moved to appoint and hold interviews rather than call an election. Trustees debated whether appointment could be perceived as an endorsement for candidates who later run; some trustees favored appointment to ensure a full board for the coming months and to provide an opportunity for an appointee to acclimate. The motion to appoint and proceed with applications and interviews passed, and staff said they could begin advertising immediately with the goal of having an appointee in place before the regular filing window.

The board directed staff to prepare application materials using the district's established process and to aim to complete interviews and a selection by late June so the appointee could serve before candidate filing deadlines.