The Blair Community Schools Board of Education voted to reduce the number of board members in the next election cycle during its regular meeting May 10.
The motion was approved 8-1. Board member Steve Callaghan voted no.
The board will be reduced from nine members to eight beginning with the 2023 board when three seats rather than four will be up for re-election. The board could vote again to reduce to seven members in 2023.
“I agree that seven might be the better number for our district and its size,” board president Kari Loseke said.
Board member Bob Schoby pointed out the largest school district in the state — Omaha Public Schools — has nine board members. However, neighboring districts Fort Calhoun and Arlington only have six.
The issue was originally discussed prior to the November election when no one had filed to have their name on the ballot. Board member Ginger Fredericksen filed as a write-in candidate.
