Helke joins Rhinelander school board

The School District of Rhinelander Board of Education met with its new member for the first time on Monday.

At a special May 12 meeting, the school board welcomed Rhinelander police officer Kurt Helke as its new member. Helke won his seat on the board in the April 1 election, unseating incumbent Doug Artus. Three other members, Mary Peterson, Judy Conlin and Ron Lueneburg were re-elected that day.

All four board members took the oath of office at the May 12 meeting.

Later in the meeting, the board voted unanimously to appoint Ronald Counter president, Judy Conlin vice president, Mary Peterson clerk and Mike Roberts treasurer. Shelley Anderson, executive assistant to superintendent, was also appointed deputy clerk.

Committee chairs will remain the same and committee assignments remain unchanged, save for board member Patricia Townsend joining the instruction and accountability committee, Helke joining the employee relations committee and Lueneburg joining the operations and strategic planning committee.

The first regular meeting of the new school board is scheduled for Monday, May 19.

Michael Strasburg may be reached at [email protected].