Heather Tenbrink swooped the Coeur d'Alene School District Zone 3 trustee spot in a 2-1 vote by board members Monday night.

The search for a Zone 3 trustee began on Oct. 4 after Tambra Pickford resigned. Per Idaho Code 33-504, the Coeur d'Alene School Board must appoint an individual to serve the remainder of Pickford's term through December 2023.

Monday morning, the board narrowed the candidate pool from nine to four based on the individual's application and written question responses. The finalists underwent in-person interviews with seated trustees Rebecca Smith, Lisa May, and Casey Morrisroe a few hours later. Tenbrink received two of the three trustee votes. Morrisroe, the lone opposition, said he supported Tenbrink's appointment and thanked the four candidates for their interest.

Tenbrink will take office at the next regular board meeting on Dec. 6, per I.C. 33-501(3).

A mother to four CDASD students, Tenbrink has spent significant time volunteering in school programs, including two years as president of the Skyway PTA and three years as treasurer. Tenbrink holds a bachelor's degree in plant science from Purdue University and is currently employed part-time as a tax accountant.

In her application, Tenbrink said her top three objectives are to attract and retain good people, provide quality and diverse programs and prepare and plan for growth.

The Press will have a full story on Tenbrink's appointment in Tuesday's paper.