College of Eastern Idaho board to be selected

Bonneville County Commissioners have certified the results of the county’s Community College election. Voters approved the proposal in a special election May 16. Commissioners approved a resolution officially establishing a new College of Eastern Idaho district and outlining its boundaries. The State Board of Education is now charged with selecting the district’s first trustees. The board must approve boundaries for five trustee zones and make sure there is equal representation. The board expects to finalize those zones at its next meeting on June 15. “A new community college in Bonneville County will be transformative for the community and the entire state by dramatically increasing access to affordable postsecondary opportunities,” said Matt Freeman, Executive Director of the Idaho State Board of Education. “I congratulate and thank the voters of Bonneville County for their overwhelming support of this historic and forward-looking decision. The State Board of Education will act quickly to appoint the College of Eastern Idaho Board of Trustees so they can start the important work of offering academic programs.” Once the zone boundaries are approved, the State Board will formally ask anyone interested in serving as a trustee to submit a resume and cover letter stating their interest and qualifications. The board will select one trustee per zone. Each trustee must live within the boundaries of his or her respective zone. The board will select board members by mid-July. The inaugural Board of Trustees will serve until the next general election on November 6, 2018.