Lockwood K-12 board accepts district clerk's resignation, authorizes opening the position and consultant help

The Lockwood K-12 Board of Trustees voted to accept the resignation of district clerk Dian Neielson and authorized opening the clerk position for applications.

Trustees formally moved to accept Neielson’s resignation, with a first from Charity and a second from Jackie. Mr. Chrisman and other trustees publicly thanked Neielson for her 19 years of service to the district. In response, Neielson spoke to the board about the personal toll of recent accusations and said she had “put [her] heart and soul to this school.”

The board then authorized posting and opening the district clerk position (motion made by Dave and seconded by Charity). Trustees clarified that the clerk supports the board and that hiring will proceed in collaboration with district staff; they discussed whether the posting should be internal or public and confirmed applicants could apply once the job was posted on the district website.

Separately the board gave the board chair authority to engage a clerk consultant when necessary to assist with candidate outreach and evaluation; trustees emphasized that final hiring decisions will require separate board approval.

The board did not specify a hiring timeline beyond encouraging interested applicants to apply; trustees said they will continue the process and involve legal counsel and staff as needed.