We just learned Tuesday night that Lewisville ISD Board Member Jeff Knapp (pictured, right) has resigned his position as a trustee after moving to a new home outside of the district. Knapp and his family had lived in a modest home in Southern Lewisville, but they sold that home on June 25th, and closed on a more upscale home in Corinth on July 10th.
Trustees are required to live in the district in which they serve, and Knapp was reportedly in the process of moving Tuesday. According to Knapp, they had been looking for a place with more land, and tried to find places within the district, but ultimately found a place with over an acre just outside the district. Knapp said that he regretted having to leave the post, but that he put his family first, and it was a family decision to move. Knapp has two kids who have already graduated from Lewisville High School.
It is expected that the Trustees will discuss the vacancy at the next scheduled board meeting on August 13th.
Knapp was first elected in 2010, along with trustees Julie Foughty and Brenda Latham, sweeping out three incumbents. Knapp's term expires in May of 2013.
Under Texas Education Code (Sec. 11.060), the remaining trustees may appoint a member to serve out the unexpired term, or may call a special election. Since there are only nine months remaining in the term, the district is not required to fill the vacancy, and may allow the seat to remain empty until the regular board election in May. This option might be preferable due to the cost of holding a special election.
Our readers may recall that when Lewisville Councilman David Thornhill passed away last year, the City was required under the state constitution to hold an election to fill the position. That provision only applies to municipalities (not school boards) where elected officers serve 3-year terms.
Knapp said that he would stay active in work for Lewisville ISD, finding opportunities to help out however needed. "I'd like to stay involved and see some things through. I won't be riding off into the sunset," said Knapp. Saying that his experience on the board was very rewarding, Knapp says he would even think about doing more in the schools after he retires.
Update 8/3/2012, 9:00 a.m.: The LISD Board will conduct a workshop / special meeting at 6 p.m. on Monday, August 6th. Stated agenda items are to address this vacancy, as well as to conduct the annual budget workshop. LTJ will be there to shoot video.
Re: LISD Board Member Jeff Knapp Resigned After Move
I got the impression he knew exactly what the consequences would be, but felt like he needed to move quickly because of the market conditions.
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Anonymous
Posted: 2012/8/5 9:47 Updated: 2012/8/5 9:54
Re: LISD Board Member Jeff Knapp Resigned After Move
Can't say I blame the guy. I think the district is going to Heck and the whole 9th/10th grade crap is adversely affecting many people. Unfortunately, that's why I'm selling and moving out of Lewisville and the district.
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Anonymous
Posted: 2012/8/5 22:23 Updated: 2012/8/5 23:06
Re: LISD Board Member Jeff Knapp Resigned After Move
I knew it wouldn't take long for this to turn into another round of 9th/10th grade crap! A man is stepping down from the school board because he moved. It has nothing to do with the 9th/10th grade campuses but nice try!
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Anonymous
Posted: 2012/8/2 19:25 Updated: 2012/8/2 20:52
Re: LISD Board Member Jeff Knapp Resigned After Move
Curious. How do you come to that conclusion from the post you commented on? I get the feeling that you are trying to create trouble where there is none.
Re: LISD Board Member Jeff Knapp Resigned After Move
They implied that Knapp didn't know he would be off the board if he moved. I was just saying that's not the case. He knew it, and was not caught by surprise, as had been implied.
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Anonymous
Posted: 2012/8/2 22:41 Updated: 2012/8/2 22:56
Re: LISD Board Member Jeff Knapp Resigned After Move
I understand what they were implying. I think it is malicious to imply that without any proof.
Re: LISD Board Member Jeff Knapp Resigned After Move
This is an extremely important decision for the six remaining members of the board. I will be anxious to see what kind of leadership is shown on this decision. The taxpayers of LISD deserve full representation. Leaving this position vacant would be a big mistake. Should be an interesting discussion.
Re: LISD Board Member Jeff Knapp Resigned After Move
It's not a great situation to be in, but it seems like holding an election could be costly to the district, as well as to any potential candidates. I'd rather spend the money to keep a teacher on payroll.
The more I think about it, the more I think that appointing someone to the post would be a good idea. I understand the argument about letting the voters decide on their representation, but really by having your elected representation appoint someone to an acting role, knowing that a general election would be coming soon anyhow, I don't think you are subverting their will.
They would need to choose someone who would not require a lot of initiation, since the job is only for 9 or 10 months.
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Anonymous
Posted: 2012/8/2 23:47 Updated: 2012/8/2 23:50
Re: LISD Board Member Jeff Knapp Resigned After Move
Don't forget that this Board is once again being led by Carol Kyer. I think that an appointment would likely be given to someone who approves of Carol's behavior (the stomping out of the workshop and screaming that she didn't want to waste her time comes to mind). I can't believe she was elected president after she behaved like that. I'm glad you posted that on your blog -- perhaps when she comes up for reelection, people will remember it.
Re: LISD Board Member Jeff Knapp Resigned After Move
Oh I so agree with your post!!!!!
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Anonymous
Posted: 2012/8/5 9:41 Updated: 2012/8/5 9:54
Re: LISD Board Member Jeff Knapp Resigned After Move
Yes, her actions were childish and disgraceful!
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Anonymous
Posted: 2012/8/6 20:47 Updated: 2012/8/6 20:54
Re: LISD Board Member Jeff Knapp Resigned After Move
Board votes 4-2 to keep seat vacant after multiple tie votes. Proving why it's a bad idea to leave this seat open.
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Anonymous
Posted: 2012/8/3 13:19 Updated: 2012/8/3 13:36
Re: LISD Board Member Jeff Knapp Resigned After Move
Totally agree. A former Board Member who was not voted out of office is probably a great candidate for the temporary post. Tom Ferguson comes to mind if he would be willing to do it. A very level headed guy.
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Anonymous
Posted: 2012/8/3 14:22 Updated: 2012/8/3 16:43
Re: LISD Board Member Jeff Knapp Resigned After Move
As long as the appointment wasn't someone who would be running in 9-10 months. That would give them an incumbency advantage- I don't want this board picking someone that might load the vote down the road.
Tom Ferguson is a solid idea if he were up to it.
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Anonymous
Posted: 2012/8/3 18:14 Updated: 2012/8/3 18:49
Re: LISD Board Member Jeff Knapp Resigned After Move
That is completely circuitous logic. No reason not to pick someone who is interested in serving long term. Just because Tom is a great guy and plays neutral does not mean he is the best choice. He stepped away and did this for a reason. If an appointment will be made, the most open way to do this would be to take applications from interested individuals and let the board debate the appointment then. I really hope the decision has not already been made before any public debate or discussion has been done by the board.
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Anonymous
Posted: 2012/8/3 20:37 Updated: 2012/8/3 21:01
Re: LISD Board Member Jeff Knapp Resigned After Move
I'd rather an election than an appointment.
I'd rather an appointment of someone who's not going to run again than an appointment of someone that a clique on the board wants so they can stack the board when elections come around. Look at the stink the last appointment to Flower Mound Town Council caused for how that might work and then 'hope' it doesn't happen with LISD? Fat chance.
And if I can't get the appointment option, then I'd rather wait for an even playing field for all candidates in an election.
Re: LISD Board Member Jeff Knapp Resigned After Move
I'll be interested to see what they say Monday night. I know that Brenda Latham is leaning towards leaving the seat open, and doesn't want to pay for a special election. According to the Lewisville Leader's story, Board President Carol Kyer is leaning towards filling the seat.
I think that Amber Fulton would be a good choice, as would Tom Ferguson (if he is available). I think Vernell Gregg could even be a good choice, but I don't know if she would do it. I'm even happy to serve if they ask me, but I'm not interested in running for the seat in May. (And no, I've not been contacted about it.)
I think that any incumbent advantage would be minimal for this short period of time, but I could also understand if the board preferred to pick someone who wasn't going to run for the seat. On the other hand, I could also see the case where they choose someone who they think reflects their same ideas, or compliments their skill-set, and try to get that person appointed and elected in May.
What I'm saying is that I just have no idea what's going to happen, but I don't think they'll cause any huge problems, no matter what option they choose. We're in pretty good hands. I just would prefer to see the board have that extra voice asking tough questions and putting eyeballs on the budget and expenditures for that time period.
Re: LISD Board Member Jeff Knapp Resigned After Move
I'd probably be fine with leaving the seat vacant until the next election. So far as I know, there aren't any huge issues coming up that would divide the board to the point where one vote would make a big difference.
If they do appoint someone, though, heaven forbid they appoint... dun dun dun ... a teacher. -BC
Re: LISD Board Member Jeff Knapp Resigned After Move
Great points guys, but the best way to appoint would be to take applications, interview the applicants, and then appoint the position. No way you satisfy everyone. It needs to be filled in an open and public process.
Re: LISD Board Member Jeff Knapp Resigned After Move
Agreed - that would be most fair. But it needs to be done quickly.
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Anonymous
Posted: 2012/8/5 11:08 Updated: 2012/8/5 11:43
Re: LISD Board Member Jeff Knapp Resigned After Move
Flower Mound did it in less than a month
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Anonymous
Posted: 2012/8/5 9:38 Updated: 2012/8/5 9:54
Re: LISD Board Member Jeff Knapp Resigned After Move
I thought it was any teacher still currently teaching anywhere. A friend of mine who works at LISD wanted to run for school board in a neighboring district and was told she could not legally do this as a teacher
On page 5, it addresses school teachers, and seems to indicate that they can hold local public office, but the chart on page 19 shows it incompatible with the office of school board trustee. I'm not certain whether that means ANY school board, or just the one for their own district.
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Re: LISD Board Member Jeff Knapp Resigned After Move
Re: LISD Board Member Jeff Knapp Resigned After Move
Re: LISD Board Member Jeff Knapp Resigned After Move
