Van Maanen filling open school board position

Following the resignation of PCM School Board Member Nicole Stafford at the December board meeting, the district was once again in search of a community representative for the school. A few weeks later at a special meeting Jan. 8, Lean Van Maanen stepped up to fill the District 1 seat.

“I was contacted by the board about the vacant position in this district. I decided to take the position as I simply feel it’s a great opportunity to get more involved and serve our schools,” Van Maanen said.

Van Maanen grew up near Kellogg and has lived in Prairie City 12 years. Along with her husband, she has two kids in the district, in middle school and high school. She currently works with her husband at their business VM Seed.

Stafford was in her second term on the board after winning re-election in 2017.

“We wish her well and appreciate her time that she has served here,” board president Steve Nearmyer said.

The District 1 term runs through 2021. Along with the recently filled seat, District 2 and District 6 will also be up for election in 2021 while the four remaining seats terms end in 2023.

Contact Jamee A. Pierson at 641-792-3121 ext. 6534 or jpierson@newtondailynews.com