Dave Fern has vacated his seat on the Whitefish School District Board of Trustees in preparation for the upcoming state legislative session.
Fern, 63, has served on the seven-member school board since 1992, spanning nearly eight terms and 24 years of service. Fern, a Democrat, was elected in November to serve in state House District 5. The 2017 Legislature convenes Jan. 2 in Helena.
Fern’s resignation is effective immediately, according to school officials.
Applicants for the vacancy must be registered voters of the Whitefish School District, be at least 18 years of age, a U.S. citizen, and must have resided in the school district for at least 30 days.
The trustee will serve by appointment until the next school election, which will occur in May 2017. The selection process will include the completion of a brief application, an interview by the current trustees, followed by appointment and oath of office. Interviews are scheduled for the week of Jan. 16.
A special board meeting is scheduled to select the new trustee on Jan. 20. The appointed trustee will be seated at the regularly scheduled board meeting on Feb. 14.
Applications are available on the district’s website at www.whitefishschools.org or can be picked up at the district office, located at 600 East Second Street. Completed applications must be received in the district office no later than 5 p.m. on Jan. 12.
Fern served as chairman of the board for four years, has served as president of the Montana School Boards Association, and has been on the board of directors for the Montana High School Association.