Owen-Withee School Board Discusses Reapportionment Process
Saturday, October 26th, 2019 -- 9:14 AM
The Owen-Withee School board discussed the reapportionment process at their meeting on Monday.The board discussed the process needed to reapportion the district voters so that there are no “territories” for board candidates. The proposed process would make any district citizen an eligible candidate for any board seat. Currently, the board is apportioned by the City of Owen with two representatives, The Village of Withee with one representative and four Rural representatives. The board feels that by eliminating the apportionment, more candidates may run for the offices. The board will use the next few months to get information out to district citizens and listen for input on the issue. After that, the board will need to circulate a petition, gathering 100 signatures to move the idea to a vote at the 2020 Annual Meeting.
The board also discussed the WASB Education Conference January 21st-the24th. Four rooms have been reserved for the convention. Board members have been asked to check their calendars. Registration will take place in December. The board also reviewed some candidate information for the WASB meeting they attended on Thursday.
Finally, District Administrator Bob Houts asked the board about their level of interest in pursuing a FEMA grant to build an Emergency Shelter for the community and surrounding area to be built on district property. Spencer went through this process a year or so ago and received $2.5 million to build a shelter. The board expressed interest and we will move forward looking at options and possibilities.
Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.