BOE removes trustee for absenteeism

WEBUTUCK — Susan Lounsbury was removed from her seat on the Board of Education earlier this week, following 17 consecutive absences.

Board policy dictates that the board can remove a trustee after missing three consecutive meetings. Lounsbury has only attended three meetings during the school’s 2009-10 year, which began in July. She was not at the Monday, April 12 meeting.

“I hate doing it, but I don’t see we have a choice,� said board President Dale Culver, adding that removing Lounsbury from her seat during the April 12 meeting would be the last opportunity to make her seat available for elections on May 18. A total of three Board of Education seats will be vacant for that election.

Trustee William McGhee said it was only fair to the community. While he acknowledged that board members miss meetings for a variety of reasons, Lounsbury’s attendance record was very poor and they “hadn’t really heard anything from her.�

Audience member Al Barros asked the board during public comments specifically why Lounsbury had missed so many meetings. Culver said there were personal circumstances that would be inappropriate to discuss, adding that there is no obligation for a board member to reveal their reasons for missing a meeting.

The board voted unanimously in favor of removing Lounsbury from her seat. Board trustees Joe Herald and Joe Matteo were also absent at Monday’s meeting.

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