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Vacancy on the Macomb Board of Education

Rich Egger
/
Tri States Public Radio

The seat became open when Ardell Thompson resigned, effective Monday, March 21.

Thompson served on the board for nearly 21 years – she was first elected in April, 2001.

“That’s a long, long time for a board member,” said Superintendent Patrick Twomey.

Thompson planned to step down a year ago, but when only four people ran for five open board seats last spring, she agreed to be appointed to fill a two-year vacancy.

Dr. Twomey said that was indicative of Thompson’s commitment to the district.

“She brought so many skills to the board. She brought history. That was incredibly valuable. It was really good to have somebody who had so much perspective. Ardell also knew a lot about insurance, that was her livelihood, and a lot of big insurance issues come up in a district our size,” said Twomey.

“I would say more than anything, Ardell supported her school district. She supported her fellow board members and for ten years she has supported me as a superintendent. She will be greatly missed, for sure.”

Twomey said anyone wanting to take her place on the board should send a letter of interest to the school district office. “They can write a letter, they can send an email. Anything in writing that would give us their name, contact information, and (why) they’re interested in joining the board.”

The board has 60 days to fill the vacancy.

The person chosen will fill the final year of Thompson's term and would then have the option of running for a four-year term

Tri States Public Radio produced this story.  TSPR relies on financial support from our readers and listeners in order to provide coverage of the issues that matter to west central Illinois, southeast Iowa, and northeast Missouri. As someone who values the content created by TSPR's news department please consider making a financial contribution.

Rich is TSPR's News Director.