BLAINE – (Nov. 4, 2021) – A Centennial School Board member has resigned from the board, effective immediately. Stephanie Carlson cited personal reasons for leaving the position, according to Human Resources Director Dan Melde. Carlson was elected in November of 2020 and started serving in that position in January of 2021.
When she was running for office in 2020, Carlson told us her goals included definitive action on racial equity issues, increased and easier access to help with mental health issues, having social-emotional learning included in the curriculum, and more diversity in staff and in text books. For the last eleven years, Carlson said she had volunteered in classrooms in the district and at school events.
Melde says Carlson’s letter of resignation was presented to the board in October, and accepted on November 1.
The school board will now appoint a replacement to fill the vacancy through December 31, 2022. A special election will be held next November to elect a board member to a two year term that starts on January 1, 2023. That special election will be held at the same time as the November general election.
Candidates interested in applying can pick up a packet at the Centennial School District offices in Circle Pines. November 12 is the deadline to turn in applications. Background checks and interviews will be conducted before the board chooses a replacement. The school board plans to fill the vacancy at its December 6 regular meeting.
