Lakota Board of Education Vacancy Announced

Applications are now being accepted by the Lakota Local Schools Board of Education to fill a vacancy due to the board action described below. The district is governed by a five-member board that hires and evaluates a superintendent of schools and a treasurer of the Board.

The Board’s duties include the following:

• Adopting an annual budget and appropriation measures;
• Exercising its taxing power to provide funds for the operation of the district;
• Considering and passing upon the recommendations of the superintendent in all matters of policy, appointment or dismissal of employees, salary schedules or other personnel regulations, courses of study, selection of textbooks, or other matters pertaining to the welfare of schools; and 
• Informing the public concerning the progress and needs of the schools, and to solicit and weigh public opinion as it affects the schools.

Those interested in serving on the Lakota Board of Education should complete this application, which may also include your resume. All applications will be reviewed by the board president and all remaining board members. Applications must be received no later than 4:30 p.m. on March 27, 2024. Applications may also be mailed or brought to Lakota’s Central Office, located at 5572 Princeton Road in Liberty Township. Questions should be directed to Board President Julie Shaffer. 

The Board will interview candidates during the day on April 1. The newly appointed member will serve through Dec. 31, 2025. If the appointed member would like to continue serving on the Board, he or she must run in the Nov. 2025 general election.

Community members are encouraged to share the qualifications they would like the Board to consider when filling the vacancy by completing this ThoughtExchange survey, which will be open through 4:30 p.m. on March 27.

About the Vacancy:

At a special meeting of the Lakota Board of Education on March 20, 2024, the Board voted to approve a resolution to remove former member Darbi Boddy and declare a vacancy in her seat. The Board voted 3-0 with Isaac Adi voting present. 

Board President Julie Shaffer read this statement following the vote:

“Tonight, the Lakota Board of Education announces a vacancy in the seat held by Darbi Boddy. The vacancy stems from Mrs. Boddy's inability to attend Board meetings due to her actions that resulted in a Civil Stalking Protective Order (CSPO) issued against her (Case No. CP 2023-08-0403), effective September 9, 2023.

“As a result of her actions, Mrs. Boddy has been absent from Board meetings for over 90 days. Per R.C. § 3313.11, the Board must wait an additional 30 days to consider whether her reason for absence is deemed insufficient. The law requires that two-thirds of the remaining board members vote for removal of the board member. Through tonight’s three out of four vote, the Board has determined it necessary to declare a vacancy in her seat to effectively conduct the business of the Board.  

“In accordance with R.C. § 3313.11 and Board Policy 0145, the Board will proceed to fill the vacancy. Information on how the vacancy will be filled will be available on our website later this evening. This action tonight was taken in compliance with all applicable legal requirements.”