(Spirit Lake)– Meeting in special session Tuesday evening, the Spirit Lake School Board voted unanimously to appoint Luke Lundt to fill the seat being vacated with the resignation of longtime board member Scott Trautman.
The board also formally accepted Trautman’s resignation at the meeting. Trautman plans to spend more time with his family and business but he says there’s a lot he’s going to miss when it comes to being a board member…
“It’s really not about me. It was always about the kids and the service that I thought I could give to that. And I’m really excited actually, Steve, sometimes new energy is a good thing when it comes to boards. I’ve been on lots of different boards in different places in different ways. I’m excited for the next person to get in and bring in new ideas. But just overall I’m super thankful for the opportunity given by the community to serve.”
Lundt will fill the seat up until the November election, at which time he could opt to run for a full term. He tells us what it was that led to his interest in serving on the board…
“At the end of the day it’s really about the students. I have three kids that go to Spirit Lake, two in the high school, one in the elementary school. It’s really about doing what you can for the kids, doing everything you can to make them successful now and in the future, giving our teachers, our staff, our admin, every tool they can to do that. And then, yeah, with the things that are going on in our country, safety, parent involvement, you know it’s all important and it’s all for the kids.”
Lundt says he’ll be able to bring with him a strong background in finances…
“I’ve been in finance for 20 years, the last decade as a Chief Financial Officer for a couple of companies in outdoor sporting goods industry. And you take some of that and apply it to the school board and hopefully provide a unique perspective when it comes to budgeting and finances. I have a lot to learn, though. And have a great group of people that are on the board right now. A great administration, superintendent, principals, great teachers. We’re just super lucky to have this community, the school district and just happy to be able to serve.”
Lundt was one of two people who expressed interest in the seat. The other candidate withdrew his name at Tuesday’s meeting.
The board could have opted to hold a special election to fill the seat. Board President Theresa Beck said she feels it’s important they have a full five member board now, adding the cost of a special election would also have to be considered.
