Hall garners criticism, praise in school board position

PRIEST RIVER — Before West Bonner County School District Board of Trustees Chair Maragaret Hall switched positions with Vice Chair Ann Yount at the Jan. 15 meeting, Hall read a blunt critique about her performance as board chair.

In an email to the board read aloud by Hall during the public comment period of the meeting, Priest Lake resident Peter Baugh criticized Hall’s performance as board chair, claiming that she was unwilling or unable to address district-wide academic performance issues and inefficiencies. Baugh also cited the district’s financial troubles as why Hall should not only not continue as board chair but should resign from the board altogether.

“While all current board members have culpability, it is the board chair that runs the show as Margaret Hall has demonstrated over a long tenure of nearly 10 years,” wrote Baugh. “The school district is being run into the ground by poor leadership on the board.”

Yount was voted in as the new board chair after being nominated for the post by trustee Kathy Nash. There were no other nominations and the vote was unanimous.

With Yount voted in, the board looked to the vice chair post with Nash nominating new trustee, Delbert Pound. Pound, in turn, nominated Hall, who was voted into the seat in a 4-1 vote.

During public comments Priest River resident Maureen Patterson encouraged board members to vote for Kathy Nash or Ann Yount as board chair, though she said she doubted Nash would be elected.

“She has a steady focus on the education of students and is very familiar with Robert’s rules (of order),” Paterson said. “But, since the odds of her being elected are slim to none, I also think Ann Yount shows a good grasp of Roberts rules and I suggest her.”

Others urged the board to delay changing leadership during what are challenging times for the district. In a statement to the board resident, Dan Brown requested the board to postpone any reorganization and maintain the current leadership.

“Given the pending hurdles faced by our district and the commencement of the new legislative session, I believe the stability in our current board leadership is crucial,” resident Brown wrote in his statement that was read aloud by board clerk Julie Henshaw.

“(Margaret Hall’s) work ethic, due diligence and experience are invaluable as we navigate the complexities of the coming months,” Brown wrote. “The next six months will be a critical period for our school district and consistent, experienced leadership will be essential for our success.”

Priest Lake Education Foundation members also called on the board to consider a continued emphasis on high qualifications and strengths to maintain the stability the district has seen over the past 18 months.

“The chair should be willing to continue their service with strong leadership and a focus to make the best decisions for the longevity of the district,” organization officials wrote in the letter.

After the board voted, Yount thanked Hall for her dedication to the district.

“Margy has put her heart and soul into this, and truly cares for our district,” Yount said.

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