N.J.-S.P. School Board Vacancy Causes Confusion for School and Town Officials

Posted on January 20, 2017
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI

The process of replacing a member of the North Judson-San Pierre School Board has led to confusion for both the board and the North Judson Town Council. The school board decided Tuesday to put off choosing a replacement for Mike Sharkozy until applicants can be re-interviewed in public.

Sharkozy represented the Town of North Judson on the appointed school board. While it’s generally up to the North Judson Town Council to pick the town’s representative, in this case, it’s actually the school board’s responsibility. Clerk-Treasurer Alicia Collins says three attorneys looked into the issue. In the end, it was determined that while the town council makes an appointment every four years, filling vacancies at other times is up to the school board.

However, the school board did invite the town council to help with the process, and two council members took part. Collins said they ranked the five applicants and gave those results to the school board for consideration.

Then, an apparent miscommunication between school and town officials caused Town Council President Wendy Hoppe to announce Monday the appointment had been delayed because of a breach of confidentiality. But the following day, the school board said the actual problem was a violation of Open Door Law, since the applicants’ interviews did not take place in a public meeting.

Council members have decided not to take part in re-interviewing the applicants. Collins says they feel they’ve already made their recommendation, and it’s now up to the school board to move forward.

N.J.-S.P. School Board Delays Appointment of New Member

Posted on January 19, 2017
Author Abby Adams, WKVI

The North Judson-San Pierre School Board is still discussing who they will appoint as a new school board member. Board member Derrick Stalbaum announced Tuesday they will be tabling this decision. “Although as a board we feel that we operate in good faith, we must admit that we made an error in the legal interpretation of the Indiana Code, resulting in a violation of the Indiana Open Door Policy,” he said. “Due to this, we will table the appointment of the new board member until the five candidates are interviewed, which will be open to the public.”

It was also announced by School Board President Pat Goin that the North Judson Town Council does not wish to participate in the appointment process.

Tuesday’s meeting also featured the award presentation and honoring of former board member Larry Lambert and outgoing member Mike Sharkozy. Both men were honored with a plaque to celebrate their service as well as a lifetime Blue Jay sports pass.

Lambert, who had been on the school board for 16 years, was honored to be given this award. While receiving the award Lambert said that he enjoyed his time on the board. He also stated that he wouldn’t be leaving the area anytime soon, “I’ll still be around, my family has been here for 160 years plus. Charge on!”

Sharkozy had his last school board meeting on Tuesday. He was sad to be leaving the board, but he stated his confidence in their work without him. “I’ve enjoyed my time on the board,” he said. “These are some great people. I know I am leaving it in good hands.”

North Judson Council Looks to Fill School Board Vacancy

Posted on December 8, 2016
Author Mary Perren, WKVI

The Town of North Judson is looking to fill a vacancy on the North Judson-San Pierre School Board.

Prospective applicants must live within the town limits and need to submit a letter of intent along with a brief explanation of why they are qualified. Those materials are due to the Town of North Judson, 310 Lane St. no later than noon on Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2016.

Mike Sharkozy currently represents the town on the school board. He was appointed in April of 2015 and began his term at the completion of the 2015 school year.

Town Council members will interview applicants for the seat and select a member.