PRIEST RIVER — West Bonner County School District trustees voted unanimously Wednesday to declare a vacancy on the board and establish a timeline for filling the open seat. 

The board intends to post an application notice for the Zone 3 trustee position Monday, Aug. 5, and close the application window Aug. 19. 

The move was set into motion by the July 17 resignation of former trustee Troy Reinbold. Reinbold was re-elected to a second term last November on a campaign that promised improved suicide-prevention resources and financial accountability from the district. 

Reinbold was criticized by some for a string of absences in 2023 that hindered the board’s process of replacing recalled trustees Keith Rutledge and Susan Brown. Reinbold said that family and business obligations prevented him from attending meetings. 

In his resignation letter, he cited an increased professional workload as the reason for his departure. 

Once appointed, the new Zone 3 trustee will serve for the remainder of Reinbold’s term, which expires in January 2028. 

To be eligible for the unpaid position, an applicant must be at least 18 years old, registered to vote, and able to attend regularly scheduled meetings and special sessions.  

Applicants must also currently live in Zone 3, an area southeast of Priest River that extends from the south bank of the Pend Oreille River to the southern edge of Bonner County. They cannot be an employee of West Bonner County School District. 

To apply, candidates must submit a declaration of candidacy, petition for candidacy, a completed list of application questions, and a resume to the district office, 134 Main St., Priest River. 

Application packets will be available on the district’s website and at the district office by Aug. 5. The trustees are tentatively planning on interviewing select candidates in early September. 

The board instructed applicants to direct any questions to Julie Hinshaw, board clerk, who can be reached at 208-448-4439 and JulieHinshaw@sd83.org. 

    West Bonner County School District's Zone 3 extends from the south bank of The Pend Oreille River to south edge of Bonner County.