PONDERAY — The Lake Pend Oreille Board of Trustees elected their presiding officers for the next year at its annual meeting Tuesday.

Trustee David Demers nominated Trustee Lonnie Williams to serve his second stint as the board chair. After no other trustees were nominated, Williams was unanimously elected to serve as the chair of the board, a position he has held since 2024 when then-Board Chair Geraldine Lewis resigned. 

“Thank you, Dr. Meyer. The power didn’t even go to your head,” Williams joked while taking the gavel back.  

Demers then nominated himself as the vice chair and was unanimously elected after no other nominations were made. Demers takes over the vice chair seat that was held by former Trustee Tonya Sherman, who did not run for reelection and is no longer on the board. 

Before that election, Williams, Jalon Peters and Mahle Williams all took the oath of office for their four-year terms that will expire in 2029. Mahle Williams was the only new trustee elected and will represent Zone 5, downtown Sandpoint, taking the place of Sherman. 

At the meeting, LPOSD Superintendent Dr. Becky Meyer announced the date for the district’s next student safety summit. The event will be held on April 15 and focus on student mental health and suicide awareness.  

Meyer said the topic of choice was influenced by mental health professionals and local youth pastors who helped the Sandpoint High School community last year. 

"They really wanted to make sure this year that we did a focus so we can help parents understand,” Meyer said. "Meaning that what are some symptoms, some triggers, some things that parents can be aware of, when to get help and how to talk to your child.” 

The board was also introduced to a new policy that establishes guidelines for the district’s virtual instruction. Meyer said the policy was prompted by the Idaho Department of Education and is a required policy by the Idaho School Boards Association. 

When writing the new policy, Meyer said she carefully reviewed the information from both of those organizations and crafted a policy that fits the district's unique character. Both Demers and Lonnie Williams said they liked the new policy and the method of including aspects that fit the district, rather than adopting the broad statewide policy. 

“I like it and I like the approach too,” Williams said. “Finding what works and what is totally off base for our community.” 

The next meeting of the LPOSD Board of Trustees’ next scheduled meeting is set for Feb. 10 at 5 p.m. at the district’s headquarters in Ponderay.