KELSEYVILLE, Calif. — Following the resignation this month of a longtime member of its board of trustees, the Kelseyville Unified School District is now seeking applications for a provisional board member.

The district said the vacancy was created when long-time board member Rick Winer resigned.

“After 25 years of service on our board, Rick deserves to spend more time fishing and less time working,” said District Superintendent Dr. Nicki Thomas said.

Before he retired, Winer was a school psychologist who eventually became a school principal in Upper Lake. 

As a Kelseyville Unified Board member, he served as board president for many years. Thomas noted how much she appreciated Winer’s perspective, as an educator and a psychologist.  

“Rick always put kids first and he helped others do the same. When board members disagreed, he would refocus the discussion on what was best for students and that often brought everyone back together,” she said. 

The new provisional board member would serve through the end of November 2026. The successful candidate will then be able to run as an incumbent for a full term.  

Applications will be available via the Kelseyville Unified website and the district office beginning Jan. 2. The deadline for submission is Jan. 30.

Interviews will be held at a special board meeting on Feb. 10 starting at 10 a.m.

The basic criteria to serve as a Kelseyville Unified Board member include residing within the district boundaries, being a registered voter, having no conflicts of interest that would invalidate service (such as being a district employee) and being at least 18 years of age. 

The role of the school board is to make sure Kelseyville Unified is responsive to the values, beliefs and priorities of the Kelseyville community. The board works with the superintendent to set direction, establish an effective and efficient structure, provide support, ensure accountability and advocate for children in Kelseyville schools.

In addition to helping shape local education, board members receive health insurance through the district.  

The time commitment to serve is about four hours per month. Board members usually attend one regular monthly meeting and occasional special meetings, for which they prepare by reading materials provided in advance. Meetings usually last about two hours. 

For those considering applying for the provisional board member spot, Thomas stressed the importance of working collaboratively with fellow board members, educators, and the public. 

She explained that serving on a school board is not a political post, but a community service. As such, it requires people who can “respect differing opinions and hold confidential information in private.”