Vernon School District trustee Kelly Smith has begun her second term in a new role: chairperson of the board of trustees.
Nominated by trustee Mollie Bono, Smith was elected to the position by acclamation at Wednesday’s public board meeting, the first of the new four-year term.
“The chair of the school board is one who calls on the board when there is a need and we are looking forward to a positive four-year term,” said Smith, who easily won her spot on the board in November’s municipal election.
Smith goes into her second term as trustee — now a four-year term instead of the previous three years — with new trustees Robert Lee and Lisa de Boer, along with veterans Bono, Mitzi Fortin, John Armstrong and Doris Squair.
“At this point, this is not a four-year sentence, so someone else may be here next time around,” said Smith.
For the position of vice-chairperson, Armstrong nominated newcomer de Boer, while Bono nominated veteran trustee Fortin. A secret ballot was held, with Fortin elected to the position.
“I want to thank you for letting your names stand and remember that nothing is written in stone,” said Smith.
All seven trustees were sworn in by former school trustee Justice Frank Cole, who also witnessed their signing of the trustee code of ethics.
“Harry Truman once said that if a politician needs a friend, he should get a dog,” said Cole.
“But when I was on the school board I met many people who became my friends. There are wonderful people in this district, from the very top to the very bottom. And I’m very sorry (longtime trustee) Bill Turanski isn’t here, as he is someone whom I admired and respected.”
