Carlton school board organizes

Julianne Emerson, a former Carlton school board member who was elected again to the board in November, was nominated and regained the chairwoman position in an online organizational meeting Monday, Jan. 4. Emerson and Eryn Szymczak are new members to the board this year after chairwoman LaRae Lehto and Jennifer Chmielewski did not seek re-election in the fall.

Emerson served on the board for eight years beginning in 2011, and was elected chairwoman of the board for the first time in 2012.

Emerson received the most write-in votes in November and, with her acceptance, was declared the winner of one of the open seats. Szymczak was the only candidate on the ballot for the two seats. Tim Hagenah retained his seat unopposed.

Emerson had 81 write-in votes compared to 64 for Timothy Soden-Groves, 33 for Donna House and 25 for Chmielewski.

Ann Gustafson, who had been the vice chairwoman, nominated herself for the top position on Monday. The vote went 5-1 for Emerson. Sam Ojibway received the only nomination for vice chair, from Emerson, and accepted.

The board will meet in regular session, online, at 7 p.m. on Jan. 18.