MUSD will appoint temporary Board member

The Mammoth Unified School District Board of Education met on Feb. 7 to discuss the vacancy on the Board left by the resignation of Dr. Andrew Bourne last month.

Board members unanimously agreed on a provisional appointment for the remainder of the term rather than an election. The term expires in November 2012 when a general election will be held.

Board members agreed that an election now would simply be costly. In comparison, the Board discussed the $45,000 price tag associated with the Special Election for Measure S last fall.

A full Board is, however, needed prior to the general election in November, so the School District Administration will advertise the vacancy in the local media and take applications for the position. On Feb. 23, the Board will interview candidates and appoint a new member to fill the remainder of the term, according to MUSD Superintendent Rich Boccia.

Bourne resigned from the Board on Jan. 13 following his arrest on Jan. 4 for alleged illegal communication with a minor to facilitate sexual activity. Since then Bourne has taken his own life.