The new member of the Knoxville School Board said one of his goals is to keep the board running smoothly. Jim Lenz was appointed to the position during a special meeting on February 25.
Lenz will serve the remaining two years on Robert Bogard’s term. Bogard was the board president when he passed away in January.
Lenz said he wanted to complete the term because of a connection he had to Bogard.
“Mr. Bogard was my father-in-law. And so, I’ve always had some desire to serve on a board like that. But because of his involvement, didn’t think it was appropriate for both of us to serve at the same time,” Lenz said.
Lenz said he will take a “wait and see” approach as to how the board operates, and what the board wants to focus on. But an issue he's concerned about is one familiar to most Illinois school districts: school funding and finances.
“We’re not going to be able to control the state of Illinois, although we need to voice our opinions and our concerns," Lenz said.
"At the same time, I think we have to be willing to work within our district to make appropriate concessions, and at times cuts, so we can be financially responsible and accomplish what we need to with what we have."
Patrick Callahan is the new Board President. He previously served as vice-president.
