(Spirit Lake)– There was a changing-of-the-guard at Monday evening’s Spirit Lake school board meeting.
Longtime board members Mike Donahue and Craig Newell officially stepped down as newly-elected board members Julie Nodland and Scott Wicks were sworn in and assumed their seats on the board.
Donahue and Newell opted not to seek another term on the board.
Donahue told KUOO news he has mixed feelings on stepping down after nine years on the board…calling it “bitter-sweet”. Donahue says he enjoyed the experience. He thanked the community and staff for allowing him to serve, saying the district achieved some great things in recent years. Donahue says he’s hopeful the new board will continue to follow that course.
Craig Newell is stepping down after 18 years on the board…many of those as President. Newell says he’s proud to be a part of the changes the district has gone through during those years. Newell says Spirit Lake’s outstanding student achievement can be attributed to overwhelming support from parents, faculty and administration.
Superintendent Tim Grieves presented Donahue and Newell with certificates of merit for their years of service along with lifetime passes to school events.
Beth Will was elected the board’s new President; Ann Goerss was named Vice-President.
