SANDPOINT — Lake Pend Oreille School District Board Chair Geraldine Lewis announced Tuesday she would step down from the position. 

Lewis told trustees she was resigning to create time in her schedule to help care for her grandchild. 

“I feel like between missing school board meetings and having to work extra-long hours at my job, I just would not be able to fulfill the duties required here,” Lewis said. 

Lewis joined the board in July 2015 and has represented Zone 4 for nine years. She was re-elected twice during her tenure and has acted as Board Chair since 2021. 

“Since May of 2015 when I was elected, we've seen some amazing and challenging times,” said Lewis. She listed onboarding two superintendents, passing an indefinite term $12.7 million per year levy in 2019 and navigating the COVID-19 pandemic as examples.

“Although I won't be here in person, I will be here with you in spirit for many future Tuesday meetings,” said Lewis. 

According to a LPOSD press release, the board of trustees will declare a vacancy at its upcoming Dec. 10 meeting. An application will be made available Dec. 11; the district projects the window will remain open until Jan. 6. 

Once the window has closed, trustees will review application materials and interview candidates publicly during the Jan. 14 board meeting. The successful candidate will be determined by a majority vote from the board and sworn in during the meeting. 

Lewis’ term will expire at the end of 2027; the individual selected to fill the vacancy will serve the remainder of the term. Only residents of Zone 4 — which encompasses the area east of Highway 95 and south of Highway 200 — will be eligible to apply.