Wanted: New Minnetonka School Board Member

The Minnetonka School Board is seeking applications for a school board member.

At their meeting on May 3, the Minnetonka School Board adopted the process for filling the vacancy on the board created by when she moved out of the district. The application deadline is June 12 at 5 p.m.

The board will use an application, interview and appointment process, consistent with past practice back to 1971. They are seeking candidates who have demonstrated leadership and involvement in the school district (among other criteria).

Required criteria established for appointment

• Advocate and supporter of public education and the Minnetonka School District Vision and Mission
• Consensus builder
• Strategic thinker
• Steward of resources
• Proven commitment to the District
• Demonstrated school leadership in Minnetonka
• Meet statutory requirements for service

Recommended criteria

• Experience in Board work
• Experience in fiscal management
• Understanding of current public education issues in Minnesota (before Legislature and the Board)
• Proven track record of getting the job done – does what they say they are going to do
• Understanding of current brain research and differentiation

Appointment Process Timeline

May 3 (Board meeting)
Approval and Announcement of process
May 7-June 12
Solicit resumes/letters of intent from applicants
June 12, 5 p.m. CDT
Application deadline
June 14-28
Board review of applications
June 21 (Special Meeting)
Board decides number of interviews and reference checks to conduct
Board sub committee develops interview and reference questions
June 28 (Special Meeting)
Invitation for interviews
July 9-11
Conduct Interviews
(additional days added if needed)
July 12
Selection of finalists
July 13-18
Review of references/Finalist interviews 
(if needed)
July 19 (Special Meeting)
Selection of new board member
Aug 2 (Board Meeting)
Installment of new board member

Applicants for the School Board are asked to submit a letter of intent, a resume and three references. Materials must be received by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, June 12.

Send via email to the Board Chair: karen.walkowski@minnetonka.k12.mn.us
or via mail to:
Karen Walkowski, Board Chair
Minnetonka School District Service Center
5621 County Road 101
Minnetonka, MN 55345
or
Drop off in person at:
Minnetonka School District Service Center
Attn:  Karen Walkowski, Board Chair
5621 County Road 101
Minnetonka, MN 55345

The Process Rationale
State law dictates that a vacancy on a school board must be filled by board appointment and that the appointment shall continue until an election is held.

When a vacancy occurs and less than two years remain on a unexpired Board term, there shall be no special election to full the vacancy and the appointed person shall serve the remainder of the unexpired term. 

A successor is then elected at the next school district election (2013). The Minnetonka School Board plans to use the open application and interview process, followed for every Minnetonka School Board vacancy since 1971.