Adrianne Vest-Willard has resigned from her position as a Kellogg School District trustee, citing her relocation outside the geographic boundaries of her assigned zone.
Vest-Willard submitted her resignation letter Thursday morning. She stated that “due to my relocation outside of my appointed trustee zone, I am no longer eligible to serve in this position.”
Vest-Willard was appointed to represent Zone 1 in March. The zone encompasses southern Kellogg, Wardner, and areas extending east toward Big Creek. State law requires school board trustees to reside within their assigned zones, which prompted her departure from the board.
A Persistent Vacancy Problem
The resignation marks the fifth appointment to Zone 1 since 2021, underscoring a persistent staffing challenge for the district. Monica Ross, who held the seat most recently, vacated the position in January after completing her term. Ross had been appointed in 2023.
Before Ross, Chelsea Osterberg held the Zone 1 seat from 2022 until her departure due to relocation—the same circumstance now facing Vest-Willard. Osterberg’s appointment followed the end of Todd Shepperd’s term.
The zone has proven difficult to fill through the normal electoral process. No candidates filed for the Zone 1 seat in either the November general election or the 2021 general election, forcing the district to rely entirely on board appointments rather than community-elected representatives for this position.
Next Steps for the District
Board Chair Alexa Griffin noted that the board must formally accept the resignation. The matter is expected to be considered at the July 14 board meeting, which is scheduled for 6 p.m. at the district office.
If the board accepts the resignation at that meeting, the district will open a public application period running through July 31. District officials plan to conduct interviews with candidates and make an appointment decision at the August board meeting.
The frequent turnover in Zone 1 representation raises questions about whether the district faces broader challenges in recruiting and retaining trustees for this particular area, or whether the zone’s boundaries and residential requirements need reassessment. The board will have an opportunity to address recruitment strategies as the application period approaches.