Continuity Key for Francis Howell Board of Education

Voters in the  opted for continuity with the three open Francis Howell Board of Education spots.

The voters brought Mike Hoehn, Mark Lafata and Mike Sommmer back for another three-year term. The term, at least for Sommer and Hoehn, began Thursday at the Board’s first April meeting. 

“I guess it means we’ve been doing the right things for the right reasons, you know, putting the kids first,” Hoehn said.

Although the election results weren’t officially certified, the Board went ahead and swore in Sommer and Hoehn to continue serving. Lafata was not sworn in because he was absent. Lafata also missed the final meeting in March.

“I think it’s not only the job I’ve done, but really the job of the entire Board and the school district,” Sommer said. “The success we’ve had, both in the classroom and financially, they’ve agreed with the decisions we’ve made over the last couple of years.”

After being sworn in, the Board had its own election. Needing to name a president, vice president and treasurer, the Board followed the lead of the voters and went with continuity.

Dr. Cynthia Bice nominated Sommer to return as president and Sommer accepted. Amy McEvoy nominated Steve Johnson, but Johnson declined. Sommer was then unanimously approved to retain his spot as president of the Board of Education.

“You saw it was a unanimous vote, so I think the other Board members have confidence in what I’ve done for the past two years,” Sommer said.

With Sommer’s win, it was time to pick a new vice president. The Board, again, went with the old vice president. Mike Hoehn nominated Steven Johnson who accepted for financial reasons.

“In the spirit of cost containment, so as to not get another name tag, I accept,” Johnson said to laughs from the crowd.

Johnson unanimously was elected as the vice president.

Johnson returned the favor and nominated Hoehn to retain his treasurer’s seat. Hoehn accepted and won unanimously.

“I think it shows we all have confidence in each other and all believe in each other,” Hoehn said about the structure of the Board not changing. “We’re moving forward and stability is always a good thing.”

By bringing back the entire Board and everyone holding the same positions, the Board won’t have to take time to adjust in the coming weeks—everything is the same.

“I think in these trying times [continuity] is important,” Sommer said. “Usually when you get on the Board of Education, it’s about an 18-month to 24-month learning curve. You can see some of our newer Board members, the ones that have been on for a year, starting to make more positive inputs on what occurs. I think it’s very positive for our school district.”

• Patty Knight was appointed secretary to the Board and as the custodian of records. 
• The Board approved the Local 1 Closure Document by a 6-0 vote. 
• Superintendent Dr. Pam Sloan and the rest of the Board congratulated the newest inductees into the Howell of Fame.
• The Board will meet again at 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 21.