OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Despite 125 rounds of voting, Omaha Public Schools board members couldn’t choose a board president.
The board went through all the rounds of voting Monday night and early Tuesday morning but failed to decide whether Lou Ann Goding or Marque Snow would lead the board.
Neither board member could gain the five votes needed for a majority of the eight members in attendance. The board is down one member, which aided in the deadlock.
“This is exactly why boards don’t have an even number,” new board member Vinny Palermo said.
The voting was tabled for two weeks, until the next scheduled meeting on Jan. 23.
Goding was seeking a third term as board president, a position that has responsibilities involving setting meeting agendas, leading board meetings and working on district issues with the superintendent’s executive council. Goding said the board needs someone to guide it through the search for a new superintendent, as well as consistency that she has from her past terms.
Snow said he wants to see the board be more active in setting policy and district priorities.
“One of them thinks we’re doing just fine, and one of them thinks there needs to be change,” Palermo said. “I myself know there should be change. We just have issues that should not be happening now.”
Board member Lacey Merica said she’s hopeful the board can reach a resolution - and not have to go through 120 more ballots. Nebraska Association of School Boards spokesman Matt Belka said the district could set a state record by the time they choose a board president.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.